Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed he blocked Mathieu Debuchy’s preferred loan move to Manchester United in January.
Debuchy, 30, instead return to Ligue 1 to play for Bordeaux until the end of the season as he looks to force his way back into Didier Deschamps’ squad for the Euro’s in the summer.
The France international had emerged as a surprise target for United after their injury crisis left Louis van Gaal with no fit right-back, and while Debuchy wanted to make the switch to Old Trafford, his request was blocked by Wenger.
“I hope that’s not surprising to you” the Arsenal manager is quoted as saying by Sky Sports. “If Man United wants to buy a player… you loan players out to clubs who do not have the resources but not to direct opponents.
“There was nothing shocking in that and it’s true, I stand up for that. I was surprised, yes. I can understand it but I found that logical [to deny the loan].”
Debuchy has made three appearances since making the switch to Bordeaux in January, in which Willy Sagnol’s men have conceded nine goals.
For more stats on Mathieu Debuchy, click here to visit his WhoScored player page
