Ian Wright reacts to ‘unbelievable’ transfer deal as Arsenal sell Francis Coquelin to Valencia
Ian Wright says Arsenal have completed a ‘fantastic’ piece of business after agreeing to sell Francis Coquelin to Valencia.
Arsene Wenger confirmed after Wednesday’s goalless draw with Chelsea in the Carabao Cup that Coquelin would be joining the Spanish side, with an official announcement expected imminently.
Coquelin joined the Gunners in 2008 but has never emerged as a reliable first-team player for Wenger and was sent out on three separate loan stints between 2010 and 2014.
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Reports in Spain claim the Frenchman’s fee will be close to £22m and that he will put pen to paper on a four-and-a-half-year deal after snubbing interest from other English clubs including West Ham.
‘It is unbelievable, great business for someone who has been at Arsenal for the time he has been there,’ former Arsenal and England striker Wright told Sky Sports.
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‘You would not say that Francis Coquelin is someone Arsenal are going to miss going forward.
‘If they can get £22m for him, that is fantastic business, because where is he going with Arsenal right now?’
Another former Gunner, French legend Thierry Henry, also appeared stunned when informed of Coquelin’s impending move, but said he was happy for the midfielder.
‘I’m happy for him because he’s going to go to a team that is challenging at the minute in a very difficult league to win,’ the legendary striker said.
‘But he’s going to enjoy himself. He couldn’t play [for Arsenal] for some reason.
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‘He went from, I remember my first game was at Man City and I called him the police officer or something like that because he was shielding everything.
‘And then obviously he’s not playing anymore. But, hey, sometimes you have to move on.’
MORE: Carlo Ancelotti reportedly agrees deal with Arsenal to replace Arsene Wenger
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