Mathieu Debuchy to Arsenal: If Arsenal sell Carl Jenkinson, who could compete with Debuchy as the Gunners' starting right-back?

With Carl Jenkinson rumoured to be part of Mathieu Debuchy's move to Arsenal, we take a look at five players the Gunners could sign to compete with the France international.

Mathieu Debuchy is close to a move to Arsenal, but who will he be competing with for a spot in the first-team? (GETTY IMAGES)

Arsenal are reported to be closing in on Newcastle defender Mathieu Debuchy in what promises to be the first of many signings arriving at the Emirates Stadium this summer.

The Newcastle right-back has been tipped to join the North London club ever since Bacary Sagna departed for Premier League champions Manchester City on a free transfer last month, and Debuchy is close to finalising an £11 milllion move after undergoing a medical.

Arsenal's young right-back Carl Jenkinson could move to St James' Park as part of the deal, although Newcastle manager Alan Pardew is said to want the Gunners' Costa Rican star Joel Campbell instead.

If Jenkinson were to depart, it would leave Arsene Wenger with just one senior right-back, 19-year-old Spanish full-back Hector Bellerin, who is not yet experienced enough to fill in should Debuchy suffer from an injury.

And with Wenger perhaps forced to delve into the market for another player who can play right-back we take a look at who the Frenchman may be targetting.

Serge Aurier (Toulouse)

Serge Aurier, who impressed for Ivory Coast at the World Cup, has attracted interest from Arsenal

 

Wenger has been a long-term admirer of the 21-year-old, who impressed with the Ivory Coast at the World Cup. A strong and pacy right-back with an seamless amount of energy, Aurier is as good in the attacking sense as he is at defending, which was demonstrated by his two assists in the 2-1 win over Greece. Given his age, he would be a perfect signing to compete with Debuchy as well as developing at the club. He would cost anywhere in the region of £10 million, but with Paris Saint-Germain and Monaco both interested in acquiring him, Arsenal may look elsewhere for a cheaper alternative.

Micah Richards (Manchester City)

A series of injuries have stunted his development, but there is no doubting that Micah Richards would be a great addition to any Premier League squad. In terms of strength and his tackling ability, there aren't many better. However, his fitness remains a concern, with the 26-year-old making just nine Premier League appearances in the last two seasons. He has just a year left on his current deal, meaning that Arsenal could sign him for a cut-price fee, although they would face competition from the likes of Newcastle.

Daryl Janmaat (Feyenoord)

Daryl Janmaat has been linked with Manchester United but could interest Arsenal after impressing at the World Cup with the Netherlands.

 

Like his national team-mate Daley Blind, Janmaat has seen his stock rise following a series of impressive displays at the World Cup. The hard-working Feyenoord full-back has forced his way into the Netherlands team under Louis van Gaal after helping the Rotterdam club finish second in the Eredivisie last season, where he made 30 appearances. As van Gaal is taking over at Manchester United next season, it would make sense for Janmaat to follow him to Old Trafford, but costing in the region of £7 million, Wenger should not discard the 24-year-old.

James Milner (Manchester City)

Used as a makeshift right-back for England during the World Cup, James Milner could be an excellent back-up option for Arsenal. The 27-year-old is a useful member of the Manchester City squad due to his versatility, but with the former Aston Villa utility man looking for first-team football, he could leave the Etihad Stadium. Arsenal would be one of few clubs able to meet his hefty wage demands, and as well as a capable defensive option, Milner could also provide cover in midfield.

Glen Johnson (Liverpool)

Glen Johnson has just a year remaining on his Liverpool deal

Given the England full-back is a regular in the Liverpool side, it remains unlikely that Johnson would jeopardise his role at Anfield for a similar one at Arsenal. However, a drop in form and the emergence of young full-back John Flanagan means that the 29-year-old's place could be under threat. He only has a year remaining on his current deal, and if he is not offered fresh terms, he could speak to other clubs as early as January. Arsenal would be an attractive option for London-born Johnson, but only on a free transfer, as Liverpool are unlikely to want to sell to a rival.