Francis Coquelin has completed his transfer to Spanish side Valencia.
The French man had fallen out of favor at the Emirates following the resurgence of Jack Wilshere this season.
He had been looking for first team action, but Arsene Wenger could no longer guarantee he would play regularly, so Valencia swooped.
The Spaniards had been looking for a loan deal worth £2.6 million with the option of making the move permanent for £10.4 million in the summer.
It is unclear if he joined on loan or on an outright sale.
According to Sun Sport, when asked if the midfielder had joined the La Liga challengers, Wenger replied “Yes.”
Crystal Palace and West Ham were also interested in signing Coquelin, but he chose to go to Spain as he looks forward to playing in the Champion League next season.
Valencia are currently third on the La Liga table, five points ahead of Real Madrid who are fourth.
He represents the first departure from the Emirates this month, but would surely not be the last with the likes of Mathieu Debuchy and Alexis Sanchez also close to leaving the Gunners.
Sanchez could be on his way to Manchester City while Debuchy is wanted by Crystal Palace and Newcastle.
