Will Coquelin’s emergence halt our interest in this man?

Arsenal failed to land an experienced defensive midfielder over the January transfer window.

The Gunners were linked with a number of names in this position, but were repeatedly touted with a move for Southampton’s Morgan Schneiderlin.

Arsene Wenger is understood to be a keen admirer of the French midfielder, who himself pledged his immediate future to Southampton at least until the end of the season. But recent reports claim a deal between the Gunners and the Saints have been struck which will see the 25-year-old holding midfielder move to the Emirates over the summer for around £15 million.

However, former Gunner Ray Parlour believes Wenger should think twice before signing Schneiderlin, or any other midfielder enforcer for that matter, now that Francis Coquelin has emerged from the scene. The 23-year-old has started Arsenal’s last five Premier League games and starred in their 2-0 away win against Manchester City, and Parlour reckons the Frenchman has enough about him to become an important player for the club:

‘It is great to see Coquelin play well. A lot of the plaudits go to attacking players, but he’s taken his chance very well.

‘Wenger is loyal so, if you play well, he will keep on playing you. He’s become an important player for Arsenal. 

‘He probably thought it was his last chance and he’s certainly done brilliantly.

‘It will be interesting to see what he does in the summer.’

Despite Coquelin’s rise to prominence this season, I believe Wenger has to bring in another midfield enforcer over the summer. Mikel Arteta did recently sign a new one-year deal at Arsenal, but the Spaniard has been riddled with injuries this season and is getting on, while Mathieu Flamini blows hot and cold, and again is past his best.

Schneiderlin would be a great summer signing for the club and if Coquelin continues to develop and impress then there’s no reason why he can’t keep his place in the side, even if the Saints midfielder joins him at the Emirates.