Mathieu Debuchy's Decision to Join Arsenal Influenced by Arsene Wenger

Arsenal new boy Mathieu Debuchy says Arsene Wenger's role at the north London club was enough to convince him to move to the Emirates Stadium.

Debuchy became the Gunners' second summer signing on Thursday after completing his reported £12m move from Newcastle United.

The France international has spent 18 months in the Premier League at St James' Park before winning a move to Arsenal and admits his experience of the English top flight will be crucial in settling in at his new club.

"It's a very difficult but exciting league," he said. "Every match, every weekend is tough, but it's fantastic to be able to play in one of the top leagues in the world.

"I think the settling-in period will be easier. I've been playing in the Premier League for a year and a half now so I already know it well, so that will be in my favour.

"I only spent a year and half at Newcastle United and it was an extraordinary experience at a club with great fans.

"I thank them from the bottom of my heart because they really supported me during my time there and I hope they understand that I had a huge opportunity which I simply could not refuse."

Debuchy replaces Bacary Sagna, who has joined Manchester City after coming to the end of his contract, and is expected to be first choice at full-back next season, a campaign during which the Arsenal will be under pressure to add to their FA Cup win last term.

Prior to the signing of Alexis Sanchez from Barcelona, Arsenal announced that manager Arsene Wenger would remain at the club after agreeing a new deal.

And Debuchy admits the retention of the French boss was crucial to his decision to move to Arsenal.

"Everyone knows Arsène Wenger," he said. "Everyone knows he's a great coach so of course, he had a part to play in me coming here.

"There are some really great players in this team. We saw that last season and I think it will be even better this season. As I just said, I hope there is more silverware to come in the next few years.

"I've come here because I really want to play Champions League football again, it's one of the biggest competitions in the world. Everyone wants to play in it."