Arsenal Given Hope as Mathieu Debuchy Wants to Play in the Champions League

Arsenal are said to be on high alert after Mathieu Debuchy expressed his desire to participate in European competitions, thus opening up an opportunity to leave Newcastle United during the summer transfer window.

Arsene Wenger is reportedly interested in making an approach for the French international as he is in the market for a right-back. His first choice player Bacary Sagna opted to reject a contract extension and join Manchester City for free.

The Gunners boss looks to have earmarked his 28-year-old compatriot as an ideal replacement for Sagna and could make an approach in the coming weeks. The north London club's fourth place finish in the Premier League earned them a place in the Champions League play-off round.

Newcastle finished 10<sup>th in the league table, 20 points behind the last available European spot clinched by Tottenham Hotspur. A move to the Emirates could fulfil Debuchy's ambitions of playing in the continent's elite club competition, thus ending Arsenal's search for a quality right-back.

"Personally, it's a great adventure. I have discovered English charm, which is very hard, Newcastle and their extraordinary fans. It's really incredible to play in that atmosphere," the Daily Express quoted Debuchy as saying.

"Having said that, I miss European football and the Champions League in particular. For the moment, I'm concentrating on the World Cup. We'll see about the rest afterwards."

Debuchy has been plying his trade at St James' Park since making the switch from Ligue 1 side Lille after agreeing a five-and-a-half-year deal in January 2013. He went on to impress and become a regular starter under Alan Pardew, making 28 starts in the Premier League last season.

Currently on World Cup duty with the French national team in Brazil, the right-back featured during their wins against Honduras and Switzerland.

Debuchy was rested for the final group stage clash against Ecuador as Didier Deschamps' side have already sealed their place in the knockout stages.

Les Bleus are set to face Nigeria in the last-16 fixture at the Estadio Nacional de Brasilia, Brasilia, on Monday.

Meanwhile, Arsenal are thought to have already agreed personal terms with the Toulouse star and their long-term target Serge Aurier. The Ivory Coast international was also the subject of an interest from Liverpool but the north London club look to have ousted Brendan Rodgers' side for the 21-year-old's signature.