PARIS (REUTERS) - Arsenal defender Mathieu Debuchy has said that he considered leaving the Gunners after losing his place in their starting line-up to Spaniard Hector Bellerin, French sports daily L'Equipe reported.

Arsene Wenger signed the France international for a reported £12 million last season as a replacement for Bacary Sagna, who moved to Manchester City.

But the 30-year-old's first season at the club was disrupted by injury, with problems with his ankle ligaments and a dislocated shoulder limiting him to just 11 Premier League starts.

He has featured just once this season, in the Gunners' 2-0 loss to West Ham United in their first league match of the campaign, with the impressive 20-year-old Bellerin keeping him out of the side.

The Spanish youngster also received his first call up to the national squad this week.

"It is difficult," Debuchy told L'Equipe. "Even if I had not played a lot last season, in my head I would return to start after my recovery. 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 take my place."

The right-back is currently training with the France squad ahead of their friendlies against Portugal and Serbia.