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Arsenal strengthen further with Debuchy

"Playing again in the Champions League is a big excitement for me," said full-back Mathieu Debuchy after joining Arsenal FC from English rivals Newcastle United FC.

Mathieu Debuchy celebrates a goal for Newcastle
Mathieu Debuchy celebrates a goal for Newcastle ©Getty Images

Arsenal FC have further strengthened ahead of their UEFA Champions League campaign with the capture of French international right-back Mathieu Debuchy.

The 28-year-old, who appeared four times for Les Bleus at the FIFA World Cup finals, joins from Newcastle United FC on a "long-term contract" according to the Gunners, who did not release the fee.

"I'm very proud to be joining a great club like Arsenal and to wear its colours – it is one of the biggest clubs in the whole world," the former LOSC Lille defender told the club website. "I am looking forward to working with Arsène Wenger and to helping the team build on last season's FA Cup success. Playing again in the Champions League is a big excitement for me and I will do my best to help Arsenal compete for trophies."

The move comes after an 18-month spell in the north east of England, Debuchy signing for the Magpies after helping LOSC to a league and cup double in 2011/12.

"We are delighted to welcome Mathieu Debuchy," said Wenger of the 25-time capped Frenchman. "He has shown he can perform at the highest level with his club sides and also for France. He is a quality defender who has good Premier League experience and I am confident he will fit in very well with us." Arsenal will enter the UEFA Champions League at the play-off stage in the 2014/15 campaign. 

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