Spanish giant, Valencia have confirmed that they have completed a transfer deal for Francis Coquelin from Arsenal with a hefty release clause attached.
Coquelin, 26, made 159 appearances for Arsenal after breaking into the first-team back in 2008 but only played six times in the Premier League for the Gunners this term.
Arsene Wenger confirmed that Valencia was on the verge of wrapping up a deal for the midfielder following the side’s clash with Chelsea and the move was officially announced on Thursday afternoon.
It may come as a surprise to Arsenal fans that Valencia has inserted a £71million release clause in his contract – have they seen him play in the last two years?!
‘Valencia CF has agreed to a deal this Thursday with Arsenal regarding the transfer of Francis Coquelin,’ a club statement reads.
‘[Coquelin] will wear the black and white colours of the club during a deal that will run until June 30th, 2022, with a buy-out clause of 80 million euros.’
Wenger claimed that he allowed the Frenchman to move on this January.
‘He goes to Valencia because he didn’t get enough games with us this season and he had an opportunity,’ he said following Arsenal’s goalless draw with Chelsea. ‘I let him go.’
Arsenal’s manager hinted that Ainsley Maitland-Niles could be the man to replace Coquelin for the long-term in midfield.
‘First of all the best way to replace him now is to get Aaron Ramsey and Mesut Ozil back. After that, we see,’ Wenger told Standard Sport.
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