Arsenal: Life without Francis Coquelin could be tough

Arsenal have sold Francis Coquelin to Valencia, he was the much-needed steel and grit in the midfield. Despite his decline, could his exit make life tough?

Arsenal’s Francis Coquelin has departed for Valencia in hopes of resurrecting his career. Having grown up in the youth academy, it’s only fitting he be remembered well. Coquelin’s career had stagnated in recent years, especially with the signing of Granit Xhaka. Coquelin couldn’t get into the side with Xhaka brought on to be the long-term midfield solution.

The Gunners will therefore be losing the Santi Cazorla/Coquelin partnership that had been so fruitful only a few seasons ago. Now having to put up with the enigmatic Xhaka/Aaron Ramsey partnership in the midfield, it could make things difficult for fans.

Without Coquelin on the bench or on the pitch, this club loses the steel that they’ve needed since the days of Patrick Viera. With Granit Xhaka they were supposed to get both steel and finesse but the club has seen mostly disciplinary problems and long shots.

With Coquelin you knew what you were getting, a tough, no holds bar tackler. Coquelin never worried about the cards, he cared more about the team. Putting in tackles wherever they were needed, no matter the consequence.

What does it look like for Arsenal now?

With Coquelin’s departure, that means a new player must either step up or they need to invest in a new player.

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There have been talks of Ainsley Maitland-Niles getting the spot, as this would be great and Arsene Wenger-esque. I don’t think he’s the player we need in that position. Maitland-Niles has all the hallmarks of being a great player and he’s shown that whenever he gets played. I just think we need to go out buy a proper defensive midfielder.

The Gunners have been linked to Steven N’zonzi in the past and he would fit right in. Maitland-Niles wants to push forward and trouble opposition defenses. They need someone who can sit back and cover and shield the back four. N’zonzi gives you that option, so does William Carvalho. They have been heavily linked with both in recent years. Should we sign one of them, they would have the steel in their midfield again.

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Arsenal has arguably given up their workhorse in midfield. Coquelin would do anything for the side, whether that be flying into tackles or just trying to play pretty passes. Now it’s time for their youth players to step to help fill that spot. Coquelin will be missed at the Emirates. Best of luck to him in the future.

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