adminLONDON. — Arsenal have agreed a £12million deal for Newcastle United full-back Mathieu Debuchy – and will confirm the transfer after the World Cup soccer finals.
Debuchy was strongly linked with a switch to Arsenal last week, with Arsene Wenger reportedly making him a top target to replace the departed Bacary Sagna. And now the Daily Star says a £12million fee has been agreed for the player, and the deal will be officially announced once Debuchy returns from the World Cup.
The 28-year-old is currently part of the France side which has qualified for the last eight, but the team could be back home at the weekend if they lose their match with Germany tomorrow night. Debuchy, who told reporters last month that he was desperate to play in the Champions League next season, has previously been linked with PSG and Real Madrid.
Debuchy plays right-back for Newcastle but began his career as a deep-lying playmaker in midfield and can also play in a wide role. The loss of Debuchy will be a blow for Magpies fans but his arrival will be a boost for Gunners boss Wenger, who lost France right-back Bacary Sagna to Manchester City last month.
But with a war chest of £100m, Arsenal fans will be expecting more big-name signings, including a striker.
Frenchman Debuchy has been playing down his link with the Gunners while in Brazil.
But he did drop a hint a move was happening this month when he said last week: “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.”
Arsenal have also opened the bidding for Barcelona winger Alexis Sanchez by offering £19.4million for his services.
The Gunners have made Sanchez one of their top transfer targets after Barca officials made it clear that the Chilean can leave this summer. Liverpool are also keen on the player, but Sanchez has made it clear he wants to join Arsenal – and manager Wenger has now made a bid.
According to the respected Kike Marin of the Vozpopuli newspaper, Arsenal’s offer is worth £19.4million (€25million) and Barca are weighing up whether to accept it.— Metro-Daily Star.
Online Reporter