Arsenal's Francis Coquelin Loaned to Charlton Athletic Confirms Manager Arsene Wenger

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has agreed to send French midfielder Francis Coquelin on loan to Charlton until 1 December.

Even though there's a shortage of midfielders in the North London Side, the 23-year-old star has only made one appearance for the Gunners this season during the Capital One Cup defeat against Southampton - while he has yet to make a Premier League appearance in the current campaign.

Wenger has decided to let him move on loan to the Charlton side in order to get more playing time.

"French midfielder Francis Coquelin has joined Championship side Charlton Athletic on loan for a month," Arsenal confirmed via its official website.

"A French youth international, Francis heads to Charlton Athletic for the opportunity to gain first-team playing time. Everyone at Arsenal wishes Francis well for his time at The Valley."

Coquelin, who can also play at full-back, joined the North London side in 2008 from Stafe Lavallois.

The midfielder has since made 43 first-team appearances for the Gunners, though he spent last season on loan at Freiburg.

The 23-year-old Frenchman will now have a new chance to prove his worth at The Valley and could eventually make his debut at Leeds on Tuesday night.

The news about his departure came at a time when reports keep claiming the Gunners are going to try to sign a holder during the January transfer window.

The Gunners were already linked with a number of defensive midfielders during the summer, including Sami Khedira and Sporting Lisbon youngster William Carvalho.

After being hit once again by a number of injuries during the start of the season, recent reports claimed Wenger is set to renew his efforts for the Real Madrid star on January as the German international is due to expire his contract at the end of the season and the Gunner may secure a cut-price deal for his services.