Debuchy to fit into team’s style

LONDON. — Manager Arsene Wenger is confident new Arsenal defender Mathieu Debuchy will fit right into his team’s counter-attacking style — with more additions expected before the start of the Barclays English Premier League soccer campaign.
The protracted transfer of the France international, understood to be worth around £12 million, was finally confirmed on Thursday evening when Newcastle were able to announce the signing of Holland defender Daryl Janmaat from Feyenoord.

Arsenal unveiled right-back Debuchy on Thursday evening following his £12million move from Newcastle — but Sami Khedira will not be joining him at the Emirates.
Arsenal are in the hunt for further additions but Khedira is no longer on their radar, freeing the way for Chelsea to pounce.

Arsene Wenger still wants a proven midfield anchorman and Southampton’s Morgan Schneiderlin is among those admired by the Arsenal manager. His wages would be considerably lower than the £150 000 a week that Khedira is seeking.

The Germany midfielder finds his place under threat at Real Madrid following the arrival of fellow German Toni Kroos in a £24m deal from Bayern Munich.
Debuchy (28) is seen as a Premier League-ready replacement for Bacary Sagna, who left to join Manchester City on a lucrative free transfer after helping Arsenal beat Hull in the FA Cup final at Wembley.

Arsenal have already brought in Chile forward Alexis Sanchez from Barcelona, and Wenger is now likely to turn his attentions to signing another defensive midfielder and a goalkeeper, with a deal for Colombia international David Ospina from Nice expected to be completed imminently.

Wenger is confident Debuchy can continue his progress with Arsenal, having been a consistent performer at Newcastle following a £5m move from Lille in January 2013, and will contest the right-back spot with England hopeful Carl Jenkinson.

“The obvious replacement for Sagna was Debuchy. He knows what to expect and that’s of course a huge advantage,” Wenger said on Arsenal Player.
“Debuchy is very good going forward, is very quick in transition. He is sharp in his marking, good with interceptions and quick to go from defence to attack. You feel he always has the desire to go forward, so I believe he will be perfectly suited to our style in that aspect.” — AFP.