Has Francis Coquelin’s surprise resurgence saved Arsenal spending £40M on an equivalent?

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has been full of praise for midfielder Francis Coquelin this season, with the Frenchman having been outstanding since his recall from a loan spell at Charlton Athletic. Wenger believes the combative player, who signed for the Gunners as a youngster, has effectively saved him around £40M in the transfer market.

“If we had bought Coquelin at Christmas for £40m, everyone would say ‘what a signing’. I am sorry he didn’t cost any money, he is still a good player. What is a player worth today? If we had bought (Coquelin), nobody would complain that he was a good player,” he said.

“Nobody would dispute that his performances have been convincing. He has shown he has the capacity to play for us and play a big part in the success of the team. I extended his contract, that means I believe in him.

Coquelin was recalled from his loan spell due to an injury crisis in the Arsenal side, and has been outstanding ever since. He’s retained his place in the starting eleven for the majority of 2015, and is expected to keep his place for the new campaign in August. The French national team have been paying attention to his impressive performances too, and his future is looking bright against all odds.

This season, he’s made 21 Premier League appearances for Arsenal, but is yet to score a goal or make an assist. He’s used as protection to the defence, making a tackle or interception every 11 minutes, which showcases just how hard he works to keep out the opposition.

Now 24, his career with the Gunners looked over when Wenger loaned him out to the Championship, but he’s taken his chance of redemption with both hands, and is now a regular in the team, and has a long-term contract for his troubles too.

Arsenal haven’t had any interested parties looking to sign him, and it’s clear they have no intention of letting him go, as he provides the steely attributes the Londoners have been sorely lacking in the past. Coquelin expectedly breaks up the play and lays the ball onto a teammate. He covers a lot of ground in games, and delivers more dominant defensive displays than the likes of Mikel Arteta and Mathieu Flamini ever were.

Next season will be the biggest test to see if Coquelin can continue his fantastic run of form in the side, but has he saved his manager spending £40M on an equivalent?