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Do Arsenal really need to buy a defensive midfielder?

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francis coquelinWith Arsene Wenger believed to be interested in signing a defensive midfielder when the January transfer window opens, the media have pretty much linked every player in this role with a move to the Emirates.

But while a lot of us are asking/demanding/urging Wenger and co. to splash the cash and find a new Patrick Vieira, or at least a top player who can protect the back four, does the Frenchman really need to bring in another midfield enforcer?

Although we would all love to see the likes of Morgan Schneiderlin, William Carvalho or even Sami Khedira join the club this winter, I wouldn’t hold my breath.

Why you ask? Well we still have Mathieu Flamini and Mikel Arteta and now the position has been strengthened after Wenger recalled Francis Coquelin from Charlton early due to injuries.

The 23-year-old has struggled to cement a first-team place since joining Arsenal in 2008. In fact, the Frenchman has made only 48 appearances in all competitions for the Gunners and has spent time at Lorient, Freiburg and lately Charlton on loan to gain first-team experience and get game time under his belt.

The Emirates faithful have a mixed view on Coquelin – some say he’s not good enough while others believe him to have the potential to succeed at the club. Clearly, Wenger believes in his fellow countryman – I mean, why has he kept him at the club for so long if he didn’t think he has a role to play?

Coquelin made his first start for Arsenal in their 2-1 win over West Ham recently where he impressed, and with reports of a setback in Arteta’s recovery, we are likely to see more of the Frenchman in the upcoming weeks.

Should Coquelin impress, albeit given the opportunities to show what he is truly capable of, then Wenger may well decide not to invest in a new defensive midfielder this January and focus his attention on adding depth to the back-line instead.

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2 comments

  • N.T. Gruduah says:

    Please do not mislead Arsene Wenger again, with this article! Coquelin is still inexperienced and learning.

  • Jim says:

    To answer your question..YES..we do need to buy a quality defensive midfielder..with Flamini and Arteta both past their prime, now is the time to buy some quality for the future. Coquelin had a very good game against West Ham, and has improved considerably..given more time and experience, he, and an already established DM could ensure protection for our back four for years to come.

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