Arsenal were dealt a severe blow on Monday when it was revealed Francis Coquelin the injury the Frenchman picked up in the 2-1 defeat to West Brom would keep him out for 3 months
Coquelin had been in great form for the Gunners and it is a major blow in Arsenals title hopes
But who could Arsenal sign to replace the tough tackling midfielder?
1- William Carvhallo - The Sporting Lisbon man has been linked with a move to England in every transfer window of recent memory so will this be the window he finally makes the move? The Portuguese international is highly rated by Sporting and would fit the hole left by Coquelin perfectly and he is still only 23
The only problem would be the price tag as he is rumoured to have a £37 Million release clause in his contract how much would Arsenal be prepared to part with?
2- Grzegorz Krychowiak - Another man linked with a move to the Premier League recently, it was rumoured Arsenal wanted the Pole in the summer
He currently plays for Sevilla in La Liga and had an impressive first season in Spain being named in the La Liga team of the season and impressing in European competition too in a Europa League winning campaign for Sevilla
You have to say he certainly looks ideal on paper for Arsene WengerÂ’s side.
3- Lars Bender - Currently playing for Bayer Leverkusen in Bundesliga he is certainly a target for the London side fitting the bill of exactly what they need
The German is now now into his 7th season of playing for Leverkusen and is of their most consistent performers
A move may depend on whether Leverkusen qualify for the last 16 of the Champions League which is currently in the balance.
4- Ilkay Gundogan - Another German international along with Bender, he was constantly linked with a move away from Dortmund this summer even though he signed new deal
He has been in great form for ‘The Black and Yellows’ this season, but was quoted in the summer saying he ‘wanted a new challenge’ it would be a major coup for Arsenal but is he a realistic target for them?
5- Calum Chambers and Mathieu Flamini - Currently on the books at Arsenal, Wenger has said these two can cover the gap left by Coquelin but are they good enough? Chambers is primarily a defender but did play in the midfield at times last season but it would certainly be a gamble to have the former Southampton youngster in the midfield
Flamini meanwhile is on the opposite end of the age spectrum to Chambers, the 31 year old Frenchman certainly has the experience but is he still good enough to be a consistent starter in Arsenals team? Fans would certainly worry as he is seen as more of a squad player at the Emirates at the moment.
So will Arsenal delve into the window and swoop to replace Coquelin or will Wenger trust his current squad to do the job? And who would be the perfect man to fill the midfield hole out of the current candidates?
Source : DSG
Source: DSG