Coquelin: Arsenal midfielder rejects West Ham and agrees to Valencia transfer
According to Radio Montecarlo, the French midfielder could close his move to Marcelino's side within the next 24 hours.
Francis Coquelin is moving closer to Valencia. According to Radio Montecarlo, the midfielder has given the go-ahead to a transfer to the LaLiga club.
Coquelin rejects West Ham for Valencia
Coquelin has rejected interest from West Ham United. That has served to accelerate contact between Arsenal and Valencia and, according to the French media outlet, the signing could be confirmed within 24 hours. The 26-year-old would sign a four-and-a-half-year contract at Mestalla.
Valencia coach Marcelino did not drop any hints when questioned about Coquelin on Tuesday: "I don't think anything will get done in the next few days," he said.
"I don't want to anticipate something that isn't done. I can talk about the players that are here. It's very difficult to talk about those who aren't."
Wenger open to Coquelin exit
In London, Arsene Wenger opened the door to Coquelin's exit. "It's a possibility but nothing is decided," said Wenger ahead of Arsenal's League Cup semi-final against Chelsea. Coquelin has only played 844 minutes in the Premier League this season.
Valencia have been interested in Coquelin since Marcelino became the manager in May 2017. The coach's intention was to sign two central-midfielders. Only Geoffrey Kondogbia arrived, but Marcelino has maintained interest in the Arsenal player.
The two clubs continue to negotiate. The agreement could either be a permanent transfer in January, or an initial loan that will then become permanent in June. Reports in the last 24 hours suggest that the price would be between €12-14 million.
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