Arsenal: Francis Coquelin departure shows faith in something else

Francis Coquelin could be nearing an Arsenal departure, if recent reports are to be believed. If he were to leave, it would show an element of faith from Arsene Wenger in something else: a replacement.

Francis Coquelin is seemingly nearing an Arsenal departure. He was surprisingly unused in the FA Cup third-round loss to Nottingham Forest, a game that he was expected to start in, and Arsene Wenger, when asked whether Coquelin is on his way out of the club, admitted that it is a ‘possibility’.

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Rumours of a destination are beginning to rumble: Valencia and West Ham United seem to be the most prominent names thus far. It remains to be seen where Coquelin will go, and how much for. But what is becoming increasingly clear is that he will leave in the coming month. And that, given the make-up of the squad at this point in time, is a little unexpected.

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If Coquelin were to leave, then Arsenal would be left with just Granit Xhaka, Jack Wilshere and Mohamed Elneny as fit central midfielders. Now, it is anticipated that Aaron Ramsey will return to action shortly, and there is a slight possibility that Santi Cazorla could be fit by the end of the year. But the Gunners are hardly blessed at the position. And Coquelin, despite his limitations, is still an extremely reliable and consistent performer, the perfect squad player.

So Wenger’s decision to allow him to leave reveals, to me, at least, a belief in a replacement. That is not necessarily an external replacement, although it certainly could be — in the summer, it probably needs to be, given the clear midfield vulnerabilities that have been exposed this season. It is, I believe, more likely to come in the form of two aspiring youngsters, namely, Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Joe Willock.

Maitland-Niles has proven himself extremely adept in recent weeks. Deputising for Sead Kolasinac, either at left back or left wing-back, the 20-year-old has showcased a great maturity and understanding for his age. His great pace and ratty athleticism help him if he is caught out of position, and he displays a wonderful calmness and composure on the ball that is only growing more apparent as he becomes more confident and more comfortable in the first-team.

But having played most of his football at full-back, he has been denied the opportunity to feature in his most natural position: central midfield. Perhaps Coquelin’s departure would open up an avenue for Maitland-Niles to appear more frequently in a central position. Similarly, Willock may be afforded a greater opportunity.

At only 18, Willock is a little behind Maitland-Niles in the pecking order. But he has started semi-regularly in the Carabao Cup and Europa League this season, as well as partnering Mohamed Elneny in Sunday’s trip to the City Ground. And Willock, in a team littered with sub-par veteran performances, stood out as one of the better individuals. He was extremely comfortable on the ball, with accurate passing, smart, intelligent touches, and creative intentions looking to prise open the Forest defence.

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Wenger’s willingness to allow Coquelin to leave tells me that he has other plans for the central midfield position. They could be a signing, they could be the return of Ramsey and Cazorla. But I think they are the feldgling development of youth, and that is very exciting indeed.