After putting in a rare bad performance for Arsenal in the horrendous Champions League debacle against Monaco last week, there were inevitably questions raised again about Francis Coquelin. The French midfielder has been brilliant since his early recall from a loan spell at Charlton, but his years of failing to break through will keep the fans wondering whether his recent form is just a phase.
Well even though it is being reported by the Daily Star that Arsene Wenger and his transfer elves are close to agreeing the summer transfer of our long term transfer target Morgan Schneiderlin, with personal terms apparently already agreed, it does not mean that Coquelin´s place is at risk.
For one thing, he has already overtaken his fellow Frenchman Mathieu Flamini in the pecking order and if anyone goes, it will surely be the player in his second spell at the club. And for another, Coquelin and Schneiderlin are not mutually exclusive. Remember that the Saint often plays alongside Wanyama at the minute, to great effect.
Yes they are both central midfielders but Coquelin is much more defensively minded while Schneiderlin is more of a deep lying playmaker, like our own Mikel Arteta. Not only is there room in the Arsenal squad, and team, for both of them, it is imperative that Arsene Wenger has this sort of option and cover as we know only too well how an injury or 12 can damage your season.