Mathieu Debuchy admits he considered leaving Arsenal in the summer

The emergence of Hector Bellerin is a driving force behind Mathieu Debuchy's admitted doubts over his future at Arsenal.

The French international, who signed with Arsenal last summer, finds himself down the pecking order at the Emirates Stadium after losing his spot in the first team to Bellerin following a debut season where Debuchy was ravaged by injuries.

Even though ankle and shoulder injuries limited Debuchy to just 10 Premier League appearances last season, the 30-year-old figured he would return to the starting lineup to begin the season.

“It is difficult,” Debuchy told French publication 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, Bellerín.

"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.”

Bellerin, 20, has been a revelation at Arsenal after seamlessly transitioning into the starter's role at such a young age, despite having limited experience with the senior team before he was called upon in Sept. 2014.

He bagged two goals during 17 starts with Arsenal, and has been manager Arsene Wenger's preferred choice at right-back through the team's first three Premier League matches.

Debuchy, however, will likely get a chance to start for the French national team during the international break when the hosts of the 2016 European Championship take on Serbia on Sept. 7.

- With translation from The Telegraph