Arsenal have loaned out their French Under-21 international Francis Coquelin to Freiburg for the entirety of next season, after Arsene Wenger realized the need for his compatriot and player to be playing regular first team football in order to improve.
Arsene Wenger has begun the process of clearing out players with lesser quality to make way for new signings that will give the Gunners renewed hope of bagging a much awaited trophy. The club have been relyng on the policy of playing with youngsters, and letting the club evolve with the players, and not spending big on star signings. However, this policy has not worked in their favor, as other clubs have been using their financial prowess to considerably improve their quality. Arsenal’s style of play is still admired by other clubs and leagues, but the squad needs to strengthen in terms of experience and talent.
Coquelin was one such player who was bought in 2008 from French side Stade Lavallois, where he developed his game as an aspiring youngster, and was immediately added to Arsenal’s youth academy. After a short period of time, Coquelin was offered a professional contract by the Gunners, which was readily accepted by the midfielder. However, after making just four appearances in cup competitions, and not making any Barclays Premier League appearances in two seasons, the youngster was loaned to FC Lorient in 2010. Coquelin finally got his act together, as he played 24 matches for the French side, scoring and assisting one goal each. When he came back from Lorient, Wenger was in need of a makeshift midfielder, and Coquelin’s Premier League debut came against Manchester United in a horrendous 8-2 defeat at Old Trafford.
The 22-year old only got a few games under his belt for the next two seasons, and according to SkySports, is now again on the move, this time to Germany.
Wenger is in the process of signing star players to the side, and either one of Everton’s Marouane Fellaini or Lyon’s Clement Grenier could be the first midfielder to be signed, as they have been linked with the club in recent times.