Arsene Wenger says that Francis Coquelin's rise to first team prominence was something of a surprise to him, and that he expected a decision about his future to be one about letting him go rather than offering him a new deal. Indeed, he's revealed the midfielder wasn't best pleased when he was recalled from loan at Charlton as he felt he was going to just provide cover for the bench rather than playing, but after impressing massively since his return to the club he's been given a new contract and given Wenger pause for thought in the transfer market. 'He wasn't happy when I called him back,' said the Arsenal manager. 'He played at Charlton and he thought I just called him back for cover....
Full Story »