Former France U21 international Francis Coquelin has agreed a four-and-a-half year deal to join Spanish side Valencia in the winter transfer market.

French news outlet RMC Sport is reporting that Arsenal are in advanced talks with Valencia and negotiations are expected to be finalized within the next twenty four hours.

West Ham were interested in signing the midfielder but he preferred a transfer to Los Blanquinegres.

Coquelin was left out of the Arsenal squad that lost 4-2 to Nottingham Forest last weekend, fueling speculation that a departure from the Emirates Stadium is in the offing.

The 26-year-old joined Arsenal academy from Stade Lavallois in 2008 and has made 160 appearances for the London club.

He played on loan at Lorient,  Freiburg and  Charlton Athletic.

Igho Kingsley 

Photo Credit : arsenal.com