Francis Coquelin: Valencia sign Arsenal midfielder

Francis Coquelin's buyout clause at Valencia is £71m (80m euros)

Valencia have signed French midfielder Francis Coquelin from Arsenal for a reported £12m.

The 26-year-old, who joined the Gunners as a youth player in 2008, has signed a contract with the Spanish side until the summer of 2022.

He made 105 Premier League appearances and signed a new deal at Arsenal a year ago.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger confirmed the move after Arsenal's Carabao Cup draw with Chelsea on Wednesday.

"He goes to Valencia because he didn't get enough games with us this season and he had an opportunity. I let him go," said Wenger.

Coquelin said: "This summer there was an interest, but I only had playing for Arsenal and doing things well in my mind. Now that Valencia remained interested in me, I regret not coming sooner.

"[Arsenal midfielder] Santi Cazorla told me that Valencia is an excellent club, that I wouldn't regret coming, and that Marcelino is a great person and a great coach. I respect and trust Cazorla's word a lot, and it was a plus point for me deciding to sign for Valencia."

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