Leeds have reportedly brought in Francis Coquelin for a trial to assess whether the experienced midfielder could be a solution to their current midfield crisis.
Manager Daniel Farke confirmed that the club is exploring free-agent options after injuries to Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev. Recently, Leeds have also been linked to Cheikhou Kouyaté, the former Nottingham Forest midfielder.
However, there are mixed reports about Kouyaté’s potential signing. According to Football Insider, Leeds have pulled the plug on the deal after he failed his medical. The same report adds that the club will be trialing an unnamed German player this week.
With only Ao Tanaka and Joe Rothwell as senior midfielders, Leeds must decide whether to bring in reinforcements or rely on their current squad and youth academy until January’s transfer window opens.
Journalist Ben Jacobs provides a crucial update on Francis Coquelin
In an interview with GIVEMESPORT on Thursday, journalist Ben Jacobs shared that Coquelin is eager to make Elland Road his new home.
“I can also confirm The Sun’s story that Francis Coquelin has now been invited to train at Leeds,” Jacobs told the outlet. “Player open to the move.”
During his time at Arsenal, the midfielder won two FA Cups and two Community Shields. Moreover, the player also won the UEFA Europa League in 2021 with Villarreal and the Copa del Rey with Valencia in 2019. As a result, this signing would bring title experience to the squad.
An Arsenal expert recently provided insight as to the type of player Leeds will get should they sign him and the traits that made him special during his stint with the Gunners.
“Truly a one-of-a-kind player under Arsene Wenger, he was almost the antithesis of everything Arsenal were at the time,” Lucas Arnold said in the interview. “Coquelin wasn’t interested in tiki-taka passes, he simply wanted to stick his foot in.
“A player who truly wore his heart on his sleeve. He dove into tackles and quickly won the ball back for the likes of Santi Cazorla and Tomas Rosicky. He was in that midfield to do one thing. He did it brilliantly.”
