With Mathieu Debuchy not only out of favour and form, but constantly complaining about his situation, rumours that Arsenal would target a right-back in January were inevitable.

After injuries last season, Debuchy soon lost his place to Héctor Bellerín, who has played well enough to keep his more experience counterpart out of the Arsenal team. As a result, Debuchy has not only lost his place as France’s right-back, but is now not being selected for the national squad altogether.

Euro 2016 is on the horizon and will be hosted in France this season, so Debuchy’s agitation is likely to lead to him demanding a transfer. If so, Arsenal would need a right-back and Clubcall say reports are linking the Gunners with a move for Reims defender Aissa Mendi.

The Algerian, who has won 17 caps for his country, regularly captains Reims and has played every game when available so far this season. Also capable of playing centre-back or left-back, the 24-year-old has usually been used in the centre by his club this season, as they battle relegation.

It makes a move for the player feel unlikely, especially as he has captained Reims in almost every game this season. They are almost certainly desperate to keep a key player who has a contract until 2017.

Perhaps a move would be more likely in the summer but, as Debuchy’s departure would leave Arsenal needing a player in a position Mandi hasn’t even been used in this season, the transfer doesn’t seem to be on the cards.