Arsenal have confirmed that Mathieu Debuchy has joined Bordeaux on loan until the end of the season.
The 30-year-old has been searching for a move away from the Emirates Stadium throughout the January transfer window after losing his regular right-back place to the emerging Hector Bellerin.
Debuchy is desperate to play more frequently in the second half of the season to improve his chances of representing France at their home European Championships in the summer.
He had been linked with several Premier League clubs, including Aston Villa and Sunderland, but playing in Ligue 1 is probably his best chance of catching the eye of Les Bleus manager Didier Deschamps.
There were reports that Manchester United, who have several injuries at full-back, had made a late loan swoop for Debuchy, but Arsenal were not willing to do business with their old rivals.
Debuchy joined Arsenal from Newcastle United in 2014 but has just made 22 appearances for Arsene Wenger because of injury and competition for places. Only seven of those have come this season.
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