Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has stated that he is still in the hunt for a new defensive midfielder during the transfer window to help lighten the load of the resurgent Francis Coquelin, according to The Guardian.
The Gunners boss brought the young Frenchman back from a loan spell with Charlton Athletic in December, and has since been rewarded with a series of fantastic displays.
And though Wenger paid Coquelin a tribute for his recent form, he also intimated that he cannot do it all on his own and will be looking to bring in another new face in the position to help him out from time to time.
“The world has changed,” Wenger said.
“The appreciation today of the quality of a player is just down to the money you spend. 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.”
However, Wenger stopped short at giving away any names as to who he would look to bring in, but insisted that Coquelin’s emergence has given him cause to rethink his transfer policy.
“It hasn’t changed a lot,” he added.
“What is for sure is Coquelin has shown he has the capacity to play for us and play a big part in the success of the team. I think nobody would dispute that his performances have been convincing and that he is ready for a fight – even if somebody comes in. Even if somebody else comes in, he will stay here. I extended his contract [in February]. That means I believe in him.”
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