Sam Allardyce believes that Mathieu Debuchy might not be allowed to leave Arsenal during this transfer window, despite being vocal about his desire to play football at another club.

Sunderland are one of a number of clubs chasing the signature of the disgruntled Frenchman who lost his place in the side to Hector Bellerin and has not come close to getting it back.

With the Euros fast approaching, Debuchy wants to make sure that he is selected in the squad and that won’t happen if he isn’t playing.

SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - JANUARY 23: Sam Allardyce, manager of Sunderland thumbs up on arrival at the stadium prior to the Barclays Premier League match between Sunderland and A.F.C. Bournemouth at the Stadium of Light on January 23, 2016 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Will Big Sam get his man? (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Speaking to the Telegraph, Allardyce said “I’m not sure he really wants to leave Arsenal, or that Arsene Wenger would let him go.”

Given the choice, I don’t think many players would want to leave Arsenal for Sunderland or Aston Villa, the other side most linked with Debuchy, at the minute and Wenger surely doesn’t want to lose a player with Debuchy’s experience as Arsenal challenge for the title.

But wanting and getting are two very different things and I do suspect that Debuchy will get his wish to play more very soon – just not at Arsenal.