Arsenal transfer news: Mathieu Debuchy hints at January exit amid Hector Bellerin frustrations

Mathieu Debuchy has hinted that he could make a decision over his Arsenal future ahead of the January transfer window, having found his transition to second-choice right-back under Arsene Wenger difficult to take. Signed from Newcastle for an undisclosed fee in July 2014, the France international saw his first season at the Emirates Stadium badly disrupted by ankle ligament damage and a dislocated shoulder, combined with the emergence of youngster Hector Bellerin.

Debuchy made just 10 total Premier League appearances for the club during the 2014/15 campaign and his two top-flight outings so far this term have only come as a result of his rival's injuries. Bellerin was absent from the opening day defeat to West Ham with a muscle problem, while he also missed out on the 1-1 North London derby draw against Tottenham this weekend – as well as the 5-1 Champions League drubbing by Bayern Munich – due to a groin issue.

"It's certain that being on the bench every weekend is not easy for me to handle," Debuchy, who is currently under contract until June 2019 and has also appeared in the Capital One Cup this season, said, as relayed by the Daily Mail. "It's the first time for me in my career."

Although he stopped short of suggesting that he will actively seek to leave Arsenal if his situation does not dramatically improve, Debuchy claimed he would remain focused on the job at hand for the next few weeks but neglected to speculate in detail upon the future beyond that.

He added: "I am putting up with it and trying to stay mentally strong, but it's true that sometimes it's more difficult than at other times, when in your mind things are complicated. It's a case of staying focused until December and then we'll see what happens after that."

A product of Lille's youth system, Debuchy became a household name at Stade Pierre-Mauroy during a 10-year stint in the first team, winning his only domestic title to date in 2011. The 30-year-old has previously spoken of his desire to return to his first club in future, although that could be something that occurs towards the latter stages of his career.

"I still have a three and a half year contract at Arsenal, but to finish my career at Lille, that's my goal," Debuchy told La Voix des Sports during his second long injury lay-off, back in April.

"But we do not know what can happen, that will be for the head of LOSC to decide, which coach, we do not know. But it is an important club for me and I would love to finish my career there."