Merson: Ditch Coquelin and Sign Busquets!

Merson: Ditch Coquelin and Sign Busquets!

Ex-Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson has told Arsene Wenger to ditch Francis Coquelin and sign Barcelona’s Sergio Busquets in this summer’s transfer window. The 47-year-old who played over 300 games for the Gunners between 1985 and 1997, says that Coquelin is not good enough to hold Arsenal’s midfield.

Merson believes Arsenal could seriously challenge for the league if they sign Barcelona’s Sergio Busquets. The midfielder is believed to be open to the challenge of moving to the Premier League this summer, but as of now this is based purely on rumour. Merse admits that if Barcelona really are willing to sell then Arsenal should do all it takes to sign the World Cup winner.


Coquelin was recalled from a loan spell at Charlton in December and quickly became one of Arsenal’s most important players in the second half of the season. His rise to form was very important in Arsenal’s FA Cup win. Many believe the Frenchman is the answer to Arsenal’s defensive midfield issues, however Merson isn’t too convinced.

“I still think that they need a holding midfielder – they are talking about them putting in a bid for [Sergio] Busquets from Barcelona and if they can get him, that would be a massive signing as he is a big player.” said Merson.

“Arsenal had Francis Coque2lin in that role last season, but will you win the Premier League with just him as your holding midfielder though?

“I don’t think so, so for me I think they need to still get a holding midfielder, so that really dents them.”

“Especially when you get to the latter stages of the Champions League, as you have to remember that Coquelin was on loan last season [at Charlton Athletic], so if you look at a team sheet with his name on it…”

[Quotes via Squawka]