According to Express, Napoli launched a last ditch effort to secure Francis Coquelin but the offer was quickly rebuffed by the Gunners.
Arsenal managed to wrap up all their transfer business before Deadline Day this year round and let a host of attackers leave in the process.
One department Arsene Wenger was not allowing any departures was in defensive midfield, especially the resurgent Coquelin who has been in inspiring form since his emergency return from a loan spell with Charlton Athletic.
According to the report, Sky Italia believe Napoli boss Rafael Benitez launched a late offer for Arsenal’s combative midfielder whose terms with the north London club come to an end this summer.
It is hoped the Frenchman will sign fresh terms with the club and the fact a high profile Italian club were interested speaks volumes of how Coquelin has come on over the last month or so.
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The 23-year-old has been a vital cog in Arsenal’s midfield, helping to support the club’s defence who have subsequently clocked up three consecutive Premier League clean sheets. It is no coincidence an all action, combative midfielder has brought us stability and a gritty edge. He is happy to go gung-ho into a challenge but also has the pace for recovery too.
Coquelin is by no means the finished article. He is often a little too enthusiastic at times but hopefully that will be curbed with some maturity and experience playing in the first team on a consistent basis.
We have all seen his potential and he will hopefully justify the decision to not let him leave this January.
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