Getting Competition For Coquelin Isn't Easy
Strength in depth is important whether it is bringing in a back up for what you already have or turning them into the back up with a superb new signing.
Francis Coquelin has been a relevation for Arsenal since returning from his loan spell at Charlton and has become such an important part of our game it has left many wondering what Arsenal would do if he was out injured.
Every Gooner knows deep down that our current squad is capable of winning anything if we can keep them fit and, like me, would use a leading sportsbook for US players to back them to be title winners in 2015/16. Keeping the players fit is the problem though.
Coquelin is unique in the Arsenal squad and while there are players who can take his spot in the team if he was injured or needed a rest it would require a change in tactics or formation which could disturb the rhythm of the game. Bringing in reinforcements to play the Coquelin role is paramount to Arsenal's league success next season. But who?
Finding a player able to play that role isn't hard if you are happy for Coquelin to be the backup. The name that really stands out is Kondogbia. This is a guy who really impressed the Arsenal crowd when he played against us for Monaco and he has all the attributes needed to be a truly world class defensive midfielder.
Kondogbia would improve Arsenal and strengthen them exponentially but could it be counterintuitive. Kondogbia is younger than Coquelin and arguably the better player. Signing him could see Coquelin itching for a move just months after signing a new deal. Coquelin committed himself to Arsenal believing he would be a regular feature and signing Kondogbia would relegate him to the bench or as a utility player.
Many might feel this is a fair trade as Kondogbia is the superior player but the point of signing someone in that role is to strengthen it. This is a tricky situation for Wenger who knows he needs to strengthen in that area but must weigh up the consequences of his new signing and balance the team accordingly.
The answer may lie in signing two players and letting Coquelin go or it may be in signing someone in the interim to hold the role until Bielik is ready to compete with Coquelin.
My heart is telling me we should signing Kondogbia no matter what but my head is telling me it could be problematic for our strength in depth. I wouldn't want to be Wenger this summer but no matter what choices he makes I'll definitely be putting my money on Arsenal winning the title next season.
