Arsenal Confirm Midfielder Loan Deal

With the summer transfer window now open, there is plenty of gossip doing the rounds in the newspapers so we’ll keep you up-to-date with the latest transfer rumours. Today, Francis Coquelin joins Freiburg on loan.

Arsenal have confirmed that midfielder Francis Coquelin has joined German side SC Freiburg on loan for the forthcoming 2013/14 season.

The 22-year-old has struggled to force his way into Arsene Wenger’s starting eleven since joining the club in 2008 and has only managed 43 appearances during those five years.

Coquelin voiced his concerns over his lack of playing time last season despite featuring in 22 games – his most in a single season for the Gunners – although the majority of his appearances did come from the substitutes bench. It seems he’ll now be given a chance to show what he can do in the Bundesliga before returning to the Emirates next summer and making a real push for the first team.

The French under-21 international signed a new long-term contract in 2012 so it seems Wenger has faith in him. His versatility is a real asset with him being able to play at right back and as a defensive midfielder, so hopefully this loan spell will do him some good and develop his game further.

While he’s still a raw talent, I do think he could be a useful player for us in the future. Good luck in Germany Francis!

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