Arsenal beat off competition from Lyon and Nantes to sign rugged midfielder Francis Coquelin from Laval following a short trial.

The French Under 17 International was scouted after impressing during Les Bleus European Championship qualifying campaign, and was swiftly invited on trial. Unfortunately during his time in London he picked up a thigh injury, and subsequently returned to France.

However, the coaching staff saw enough potential in Francis and offered him a contract with the club. After being given time to talk through the deal with his parents, he accepted the terms and cited Arsène Wenger as one of the main reasons for his transfer. With his scholarship coming to an end with home town club Stade Lavallois, he was a free agent, but Arsenal donated £1 million to the club to help further their Academy.

Coquelin an explosive defensive midfielder, blessed with a fantastic range of passing and all the combative qualities you would expect from a holding player. Many have likened Francis to French Internationals Claude Makélélé and Lassana Diarra, for their rugged, strong, and powerful approach.

Coquelin made a fantastic start to his career with Arsenal. After coming on at half-time against Barnet, the physical midfielder preceded to hassle the tiring Barnet midfield in submission. Following Francis’ superb debut, he travelled to Austria with the first-team, getting more minutes against Szombathelyi Haladás.

The 2008-2009 campaign was his chance to impose himself, and he did. Francis became a regular for the Reserves and got off the mark with a superb left footed drive against Stoke City. He made 11 appearances for Neil Banfield’s second string throughout the year and stood out in every game.

But it was with the Under 18′s where he had most success. Forming a solid partnership alongside Emmanuel Frimpong, Coquelin helped Bould’s boys claim both the F.A Youth Cup and Premier Academy League titles. It was a phenomenal start to life in England.

Having endeared himself to both coaching staff and fans, the youngster is all but certain to play first-team football in the future.

Name: Francis Coquelin
Nickname: ‘Sisco’
Age: 18
Nationality: French
International: Under 18′s
Position: Defensive Midfield
Height: 178cm
Previous Clubs: Stade Lavallois
Contract : Professional