Arsenal midfielder Francis Coquelin has agreed personal terms with Valencia, according to a reliable journalist.
Mohamed Bouhafsi, the chief football editor of French broadcasters RMC Sport, reported on his personal Twitter account on Wednesday that the former France youth international, 26, has reached an agreement with the Spanish club over a four-and-a-half year contract,
Bouhafsi explained that Arsenal and Valencia are expected to wrap up talks over the fee for Coquelin in the next 24 hours, with the deal agreed by Thursday night.
Arsenal’s French central midfielder Francis #Coquelin has reached an agreement with Valencia over a 4.5 year contract. #Arsenal and Valencia are expected to wrap up fee negotiations in the next 24 hours.
— Mohamed Bouhafsi (@mohamedbouhafsi) January 10, 2018
Coquelin has made 13 appearances for Arsenal this season, but he has started just a single Premier League match.
The Daily Mirror has claimed that West Ham are keen to sign Coquelin this month as they eye central midfield reinforcements and the player could be available for £10million.
Wenger did not dismiss the possibility of the fringe Frenchman leaving at his media briefing on Tuesday morning but is adamant it will not be to the east London club.
Good move for Arsenal?
Coquelin is a solid performer who has operated within his technical limitations in the midfield anchorman role at Arsenal to provide the foundation for others to thrive. But he has slipped down the pecking order since Arsene Wenger resorted to a three-man defence, with Granit Xhaka, Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere the preferred central midfielders. Coquelin has carved out a better Gunners career than many expected, but he is not quite of the standard needed and will not be hugely missed.
This is Futbol rating: 7/10
Likely to happen?
RMC are a reliable source of news when it comes to French clubs and French players. Expect an announcement in the coming days that Coquelin is a Valencia player.
This is Futbol rating: 9/10