Sunderland 'hope to beat Aston Villa to Arsenal's Mathieu Debuchy'

Sunderland are reportedly trying to poach Arsenal full-back Mathieu Debuchy from Aston Villa's clutches before the end of the January transfer window.

Villa boss Remi Garde has been open about his desire to sign the Frenchman, who has struggled for game time at the Emirates this season.

Debuchy recently admitted that he "cannot stay" at Arsenal and did not rule out a move to Villa.

However, Sunderland have made their interest known as manager Sam Allardyce spent time in London on Monday trying to agree a deal with Arsenal officials, according to the Daily Mail.

The report adds that the Gunners would prefer to sell Debuchy, but the transfer is more likely to be a loan until the end of the season.