Franics Coquelin’s re-emergence in this Arsenal side has been one of the feel good stories of this season. I’m sure you’ve heard it a thousand times, but it’s worth summing up once more.
At the start of the season, it looked like the Frenchman’s tenure at Arsenal was all but over. He was loaned out to Charlton Athletic and there was a good chance that he wouldn’t come back.
In the end, however, Arsenal’s midfield injury crisis got so bad, that Arsene Wenger had little choice but to recall Coquelin and throw him back into first team action. He grabbed the opportunity with both hands and has put in a number of excellent performances since.
In particular, he’s stood out in the two away games against Manchester City and Manchester United. He’s a truly dynamic presence who reads the game particularly well.
Still, I can’t help but hope that Arsene Wenger won’t let a good story cloud his judgement. Failure to sign another defensive midfielder next summer would be a big mistake. Even if Coquelin goes on to be a long-term first teamer for Arsenal, they need a high quality back-up.
Mathieu Flamini isn’t up to that task and Mikel Arteta is getting on in years. Adding a little depth in this area would make a lot of sense.
This brings me to The Metro‘s claim that Arsenal are considering making a move for Lazio’s rugged midfielder, Lucas Biglia. The Argentine international has been in fine form this season, in his 25 appearances. He’s an energetic presence, who’s diligent and disciplined enough to provide his back four with meaningful protection.
He’s even managed to chip in with 3 goals this season, something which should put him in Arsene Wenger’s good books.
The aforementioned source claims that Arsenal have already been given the ‘green light’ to sign Biglia and that such a deal would set them back £18m.
That’s no small amount of cash, but quality doesn’t come cheap. Would it be something if Arsene Wenger could call upon both Biglia and Coquelin? That’s serious strength in depth.
What’s your take? Would you like to see Lucas Biglia in an Arsenal shirt?
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