Arsene Wenger not looking to replace Francis Coquelin

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has claimed that Francis Coquelin is Europe's best defensive midfielder, amid pressure to bolster his squad in the remaining days of the transfer window.

Coquelin, who spent a month on loan at Charlton Athletic last season, was criticised by Gary Neville for his performance in Monday's 0-0 draw at home to Liverpool - criticism that the French manager believes is unwarranted.

Sevilla midfielder Grzegorz Krychowiak has been linked with a late switch to the Emirates, but Wenger has no plans of replacing his "great" compatriot.

"Coquelin has the best defensive statistics and numbers in Europe. You watch football like I watch football. I don't know what people see. Defensively, Coquelin is doing a great job," he told reporters.

"Look, I am not against opinion. People can say they don't think Arsenal is good enough. I accept that. But it is dangerous to say 'He will never be a player' — especially when the comment has come from people in football.

"It doesn't annoy me, but what is a concern is that it puts pressure on players. I believe that we are in a football job. People who have been in the game, I love that they go on television. But I would like them to help people to love football even more."

With Mikel Arteta and Mathieu Flamini being the 24-year-old's only competition, Wenger was expected to strengthen his midfield options this summer, but goalkeeper Petr Cech remains the Gunners' only addition.

The window closes on September 1.

Written by
Shane Callaghan