Arsene Wenger revealed in the press conference today that he expects Mathieu Debuchy to stay at the club for the rest of the season.

The Frenchman has admitted that it is almost impossible to do a permanent transfer on deadline day, but at the same time he didn’t rule out the option of a loan move for the French defender.

Premier League club Aston Villa were thought to be interested in signing Debuchy, who has managed only two Premier League appearances so far this season. However, the talks between the two clubs fell through over the weekend.

According to reports from Daily Mail, Manchester United have emerged as a shock candidate to sign Debuchy. The Red Devils are considering a last minute move for the 30-year-old defender.

French newspaper L’Equipe has also confirmed that Manchester United are indeed showing a late interest in signing the defender.

MU intéressé par Debuchy. Point de chute idéal pour le Français en vue de l’Euro. Pas sûr qu’Arsenal soit d’accord. Sauf en cas de transfert

— Bruno Constant (@Bruno_Constant) February 1, 2016

United are desperate to add a full-back to the squad and it seems they have shifted their attention towards Debuchy.

Louis van Gaal is desperate for defensive cover following injuries to several of his first team full-backs – Luke Shaw, Antonio Valencia, Matteo Darmian, Marcos Rojo and Ashley Young are among those sidelined and United are short of options in defence.

While Wenger would happily allow Debuchy to go out on loan and get some games under his belt, it is hard to see Arsenal sending him to a rival club on deadline day, especially considering how the Robin van Persie move worked out for United.