West Ham are interested in Arsenal’s Francis Coquelin, but would Newcastle be a better option for the midfielder?
West Ham United are reportedly interested in signing Arsenal midfielder Francis Coquelin this month, but would a move to Newcastle United bring the best out of the out-of-favour Frenchman?
The Daily Mail claim West Ham are leading the chase to gab the signature of the 26-year-old Frenchman, with clubs from his home country said to be interested in the holding midfielder too.
Although a proven Premier League performer, Coquelin has been afforded just 155 minutes of top-flight football this season with the likes of Granit Xhaka, Aaron Ramsey, Jack Wilshere and Mohamed Elneny preferred.
Known for his intricate passing and tough-tackling nature in the middle of the park, Coquelin has risen through the Arsenal ranks but surely a move to West Ham would see him have to adapt into a style of play not suited to his strengths?
West Ham are known more for their direct style of play, and already boast the kind of players such as Coquelin in Pedro Obiang, Mark Noble and Cheikhou Kouyate.
Newcastle, however, are lacking in such a player. The likes of Mikel Merino, Jonjo Shelvey and Mo Diame all prefer to get the ball forward, rather than focusing on keeping possession.
The Toon prefer to play a shorter, more methodical approach under Rafa Benitez, and that would suit Coquelin down to a tee as he likes to help his side keep possession with short passing while marshalling the space between defence and midfield.
Captain Noble already does that at the London Stadium and Coquelin would struggle to oust the Hammers skipper, but at Newcastle he would be a first-team regular.
The uncapped Frenchman, who earns £45,000 a week according to the Daily Star, would surely prefer a move to Newcastle and that should convince Benitez to enter the race to sign the former Charlton loanee.
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