It’s safe to say that Arsenal under Mikel Arteta are now a very different team than when Arsene Wenger left his post in 2018.
Towards the end of the Wenger era, when money was tight after Arsenal had just moved to the Emirates Stadium, the Gunners were predominantly known for their beautiful football.
Wenger was also often praised for his ability to get the best out of young players, always willing to hand out chances.
But under Arteta, Arsenal have returned to the days when they were akin to a winning machine.
It’s far too soon to compare this Arsenal team to the Invincibles, they haven’t won anything yet, but all in N5 will be hoping that this squad is heading in that direction.
That being said, when Wenger tried to make Arsenal more robust in the past, he once turned to Francis Coquelin as his solution in defensive midfield.
Former Arsenal favourite Francis Coquelin now training with Leeds United
In an era of tiki-taka football at Arsenal, Coquelin was introduced as a no-nonsense midfield enforcer.
Now 33-years-old and without a club, it seems as if Coquelin could be about to return to English football.
READ MORE: Three-time Premier League winner still regrets that he never played for Arsenal
According to The Sun, Coquelin is now training with Leeds United after being released by Spanish side Villarreal in June.
Leeds are experiencing something of an injury crisis in midfield and need further back-up in the middle.
Fortunately, Coquelin is keen on joining Leeds, however, the Championship side are also considering signing former Crystal Palace midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate as well.
Arsene Wenger called Francis Coquelin one of Europe’s best
As mentioned, Coquelin played for Arsenal 160 times in his career, sadly failing to score a senior goal for the side.
However, Wenger recognised that the Frenchman, who never won a senior cap for his country, was a vital addition to Arsenal’s midfield at the time.
Speaking back in 2015, Wenger recognised that his side were being criticised for their defensive efforts, something he thought Coquelin was solving.
Wenger said: “It is difficult always to find the balance in a team. You want a balance between attacking well and defending well and sometimes that depends on one player with specific characteristics.
“But I think we have had that debate for a long time now, that Arsenal do not buy defensive players.
“Coquelin has [some of] the best defensive statistics and numbers in Europe. You watch football like I watch football and you will see that defensively, Coquelin is doing a great job.
“Since January, we have conceded less goals than anybody else.”
A glowing recommendation for Leeds, even if that was almost 10 years ago.
It would be fascinating for Arsenal fans to watch Coquelin back in England, an all-action midfielder who won two FA Cups with Arsenal.
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