Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed Mathieu Debuchy’s claim earlier this week that he blocked Manchester United’s attempts to sign the right-back on loan during the January transfer window.
There has been a recent history of players moving between the two clubs - albeit it in vastly different circumstances and on permanent deals - with United selling Arsenal Danny Welbeck in 2014, two years after buying Robin van Persie from the Gunners.
But Wenger insisted there was nothing unusual in his decision to deny Debuchy, now on loan at Bordeaux, the switch he wanted.
“I hope that’s not surprising to you,” he told Standard Sport. “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.
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“I was surprised [United tried to sign him], yes. I can understand it but I found that logical [to block the loan].”
