The Top Flight
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Transfer news: Arsenal makes away with Francis Coquelin to Valencia in £22m deal

ByAshley Anthony|
LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 10: Francis Coquelin of Arsenal shows appreciation to the fans after the final whistle during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Stoke City at the Emirates Stadium on December 10, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 10: Francis Coquelin of Arsenal shows appreciation to the fans after the final whistle during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Stoke City at the Emirates Stadium on December 10, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Another player takes leave from the Emirates, but comes as a bit of a surprise. A surprise because many expected Sanchez or Ozil, to be stepping out the doors ahead of other player. Yet, it seems, Francis Coquelin is the first to exit the club in January.

The Frenchman leaves Wenger’s side for £22 million and ships over to Valencia, to try and help keep their strong position in the La Liga – where they sit in third place on the La Liga table and five points ahead of spanish giants, Real Madrid.

When comparing the two teams and thinking about the decision made by the Frenchman – he has made the best decision for himself.

Arsenal capped off a draw at Stamford Bridge last night in their Carabao Cup match – probably their best display since their victory against Crystal Palace – which was four matches ago. But even the Palace duel was a bit of a struggle for Wenger’s men.

Arsenal sit in sixth place on the English Premier League table – two points behind Tottenham, and five behind Liverpool. With two of the Gunners most valuable players on their way out, the downward spiral Wenger and his men have been enduring – seems to be getting deeper and deeper.

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How this decision works out for Arsenal:

Wenger has lost an average player at best in Coquelin. Without a proper box-to-box midfielder, Coquelin’s job became harder in the middle of the park. Both, him and Mohamed Elneny, was never up to Arsenal’s standard and struggled in a Gunners shirt.

He and Coquelin had fewer brilliant moments than expected. It was tough for them to fill spaces left by previous Gunners. The £22 million recouped by Arsenal represents great business. A decent amount for the midfielder, in and out of form.

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Never really hitting the ground running, Francis time ticked away and now got the ticket to leave and seek another project, with a club in a far better position than the English club. A person who also believes the business done be his old club was pretty good, was Ian Wright.

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The next step now for this London club is secure quality for the first team and quality in the squad. The money must be spent wisely – All of Arsenal’s rivals have set up with new arrivals of world-class quality. Their catch-up game needs to be on point.

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