Francis Coquelin, the former Arsenal midfielder, might be making a surprising comeback to English football after six years away.
The former midfielder, who carved out a significant career with the Gunners, could soon find himself back on these shores, potentially signing with Championship side Leeds United.
A Journey Through Arsenal
Coquelin’s journey began at Arsenal’s academy, where he developed into a promising talent.
Over six years, he made a notable 160 appearances for the north London club.
Under the guidance of Arsène Wenger, he broke into the first team during the 2015-16 season, becoming an essential part of the squad for the next two years.
However, as Wenger’s final season unfolded, Coquelin’s role diminished, leading him to seek new opportunities in Spain.
Recent Career and Contract Status
After leaving Arsenal in 2018, Coquelin joined Valencia and later moved to Villarreal, where he spent the last four seasons.
His contract with Villarreal recently expired, leaving him as a free agent.
Now, according to The Sun, the 33-year-old is reportedly eyeing a move to Leeds, particularly as the team has been hit hard by injuries to key midfield players.
Training with Leeds
There’s buzz around Coquelin potentially training with Leeds United’s squad, as coach Daniel Farke is looking for solutions to cope with the long-term absences of players like Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev.
While Coquelin seems open to the opportunity, he’s not alone in his pursuit of a contract with the club, as other free agents, including former West Ham midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate, are also in the mix.
Coach’s Comments on the Situation
Farke has been tight-lipped about specific names, emphasizing professionalism in his comments.
Ahead of Leeds’ upcoming match against Sheffield United, he mentioned the need to explore the free agent market more deeply, hinting at the arrival of some potential signings at Thorp Arch.
A Glimpse at His Achievements
Despite not having a senior appearance for the French national team, Coquelin has an impressive youth career, representing France at various levels, including 35 matches and seven for the Under-21s.
His time at Villarreal was marked by success, winning the Europa League in 2021 under Unai Emery and reaching the Champions League semi-finals the following year.
Not to forget, he also secured two FA Cup titles with Arsenal in 2015 and 2017.
What Lies Ahead?
As fans speculate about Coquelin’s next steps, it’s clear he still has a lot to offer on the pitch.
With Leeds in need of reinforcements, his experience could be a valuable asset.
The football world will be watching closely to see if this unexpected reunion with English football comes to fruition.
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