Arsenal already lining up replacement for French defender

by Jonathan Gorrie @JonnieGorrie share

4/10/2015 | 04:37pm

Arsenal are already plotting a move to replace wantaway defender Mathieu Debuchy in January, according to the Metro.

Manager Arsene Wenger has identified Benfica starlet Nelson Semedo as a replacement for Debuchy, should the Frenchman depart.

The 30-year old only joined the Gunners in the summer of 2014, but has lost his place to Hector Bellerin in the first-team after suffering a dislocated shoulder early on in his Emirates career.

Italian giants Juventus have been linked with a move for the Les Blues ace, as they search for defensive cover.

Now, Wenger is said to be scouting 21-year old Semedo, who has only made six appearances for the Benfica senior side.

However, his form in the Portuguese giants’ B team has apparently attracted the interest of the North London side, as well as Serie A outfit Inter Milan.

Debuchy was a £12m signing from Newcastle, but the form of Spanish youngster Bellerin has seen him kept out of first-team contention.

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