Man United enter the race to sign wantaway Arsenal man
Published:
Manchester United have emerged as shock contenders to sign wantaway Arsenal defender Mathieu Debuchy.
The France international has struggled for game time at the Emirates this season, featuring in a total of just seven games for the Gunners, and with the European Championships in his homeland on the horizon the 30-year-old is craving first team action.
The former Newcastle man was widely thought to be weighing up two options, a loan spell at the Magpies’ biggest rivals Sunderland or a temporary stint at relegation-threatened Aston Villa, but United have entered the race on transfer deadline day and could complete a shock move for the Arsenal man.
Robin van Persie aside, no player has moved directly from Arsenal to Manchester United since Matt Wicks in 1995 but Debuchy’s international plight and United’s need for defensive reinforcement could re-open the lines of business.
While Debuchy is clearly not in favour with Arsene Wenger it would still be something of a shock for the north Londoners to strengthen their bitter rivals in any way.
This sentiment is not lost on United boss Louis van Gaal and the money men at Old Trafford and thus a number of other options are being looked into before the window closes.
Tottenham left-back Danny Rose is also wanted by United but any move for the White Hart Lane youngster is expected to be put off until the summer but there are a few prospects on the continent that could develop throughout the day.
Ajax defender Ricardo van Rhijn, also a target for Everton, is one player being considered by Van Gaal, while Gregory van der Wiel, currently out of favour at PSG, is another option being looked into.
With the hours until the window shuts ticking by United fans will be watching in earnest to see if a defender arrives, Debuchy or otherwise.
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