adminLONDON. — Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has admitted that he blocked Mathieu Debuchy’s potential loan move to Manchester United, but insists it was the “logical” decision.
United, who are in the midst of a defensive crisis, attempted to bring in the France international on transfer deadline day, but Wenger would not let him go to a rival.
Wenger insists he would never loan a player to a direct rival.
Debuchy, who eventually joined Bordeaux on loan, said his manager’s decision left him “annoyed”, but Wenger insisted it was not a difficult choice.
The France international, who had also been linked with Aston Villa and Sunderland, ended up moving to French Ligue 1 side Bordeaux but lamented this week that a move to Old Trafford had failed.
“They (Manchester United) contacted my agents,” Debuchy told Canal Plus.
“I was disappointed, obviously. If I had the chance to go to Manchester United it would have been magnificent.
“Unfortunately it wasn’t the case. I discussed it with the coach too, who said that obviously he couldn’t help out a rival.”
Speaking yesterday ahead of Arsenal’s FA Cup fifth round game with Hull City, the boss explained why he had made the decision.
“I hope that’s not surprising to you,” said the Gunners boss when asked about whether he had rejected United’s bid.
“If Manchester United wants to buy a player, fine, but you loan players out to clubs that don’t have the resources. But not to direct opponents. It was nothing shocking in that.
“And it’s true (that I personally blocked the move), I stand up for that.”
The Arsenal manager also admitted he was surprised that United even asked for the player.
“I was surprised by the move. I can understand it, but I found that decision logical.”
The irony is that Arsenal boss Wenger admitted in the past that he tried to sign Danny Welbeck on loan from United in 2014 before eventually signing him on a permanent basis for £16m. — AFP.
Online Reporter