Arsenal defender Mathieu Debuchy admits he nearly left this summer

Mathieu Debuchy admits he has been considering his Arsenal future.

Defender Debuchy has revealed he contemplated leaving after Hector Bellerin started the Community Shield ahead of him.

Debuchy joined Arsenal last summer for £12m and was earmarked to replace Bacary Sagna as the Gunners' first-choice right-back.

But his injury-hit debut season opened the door for youngster Bellerin to step in and establish himself in Arsene Wenger's team.

Spaniard Bellerin has retained his spot this season, only missing the opening league game against West Ham due to injury.

Debuchy, 30, told L'Equipe: "It's difficult. Even if I didn't play a lot last season, in my head I was coming back in order to be in the starting XI for the resumption.

"But, at the Community Shield against Chelsea, Wenger chose him, Bellerin. It was a surprise and a disappointment.

“Let's say it (leaving) crossed my mind. But I want to be at Arsenal and to get back my place here."

Debuchy fears his lack of action could damage his chances of making France's squad for Euro 2016.

He added: "He (Wenger) told me that nothing is settled and that there are a lot of matches in the season.

"He knows that I'm worried because at the end of the season there's an important event coming up.

“It was clear to be effective, it takes time to play. And in the longer term if this situation were to continue it would become difficult.”