We’re a week into the transfer window, and Mathieu Debuchy is allowed to leave.

The Frenchman is annoyed by his lack of playing time this season as he has found himself playing second fiddle to 20-year-old Héctor Bellerín. Eager to win back his place in the France squad before the summer, Debuchy has agitated for a move and Wenger is happy to let him go.

“He has an opportunity to go but he as well has not been in touch with any club,” the Arsenal boss said in Friday’s press conference.

Some reports have suggested AS Roma have already submitted a bid, while Aston Villa boss Remi Garde said on Thursday that he has spoken to Wenger about taking Debuchy. Does that mean Debuchy is refusing to talk to clubs, or negotiations are yet to reach a stage where he can talk to them?

The defender would probably play in the FA Cup on Saturday were he content in north London, but will instead find himself watching from afar. His future is definitely away from Arsenal but, to have any chance of making the France squad for Euro 2016, he needs to be playing regularly at a high level.

Right now, it seems doubtful that the club he wants has come in for him. But can he really afford to be picky?