Arsenal: Sunderland boss Sam Allardyce believes Arsene Wenger doesn't want to sell Mathieu Debuchy

Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce believes Arsene Wenger has changed his mind over allowing Mathieu Debuchy to leave the club during the January transfer window. Debuchy, 30, has started in just six games in all competitions for Arsenal this season and has previously admitted he is keen to leave the club during the January transfer window – either on loan or on a permanent deal.

Aware the player must be playing regularly to keep his chances of being selected for France at Euro 2016 in the summer, Wenger admitted in early January the player may be allowed to leave, given Hector Bellerin's rise to prominence at right-back.

Aston Villa have already made their interest in the France international known but the Daily Mirror claim Sunderland have also made an approach to help in their bid to stay in the Premier League. Allardyce however is now unsure whether Debuchy is ready to leave north London, or whether the club are prepared to let him leave.

"I am not sure he wants to leave Arsenal or that Arsene Wenger would sell him," Allardyce told a press conference, Goal.com report. Former Newcastle United defender Debuchy admitted in December 2015 he would consider a move to another Premier League club.

"At the moment I need game time," Debuchy told RMC. "I really need to play. Didier Deschamps didn't call me for the last two games (to play for France) so it is obvious. I've got to play more than I do, that is why I want to talk to Wenger soon. We'll study the offers, if there are some. Staying in England? Why not, I love England, I love the Premier League, so why not? I'll listen to offers, and why not come back to France?"