Francis Coquelin paid for his own private plane to Valencia to speed up his transfer to the club, according to the Frenchman’s new manager in Spain.

Valencia boss Marcelino Garcia Toral says he’s pleased with Coquelin’s positive attitude so far.

The 52-year-old told reporters, “He has arrived with an exemplary attitude. On Thursday, we were talking to him about tactics. Even although he does not speak Spanish, he understands it and paid for his own plane to arrive earlier.

“These are important things from players.”

The Marca report claims the former Gunner got a plane to Spain, arriving at two o’clock in the morning. As a result, he could complete his medical at 9am the next day and start training by 6pm.

If there’s one thing most Arsenal fans agree on it’s that Coquelin cut a committed figure on the pitch. He wasn’t the most popular player for his technical ability, but he always showed passion and fight. It’s no surprise to learn he’s willing to go the extra mile off the pitch as well.

That’s been helpful for Arsenal too. Dragging out the transfer would have given the club less time to work on a replacement. That being said, Arsene Wenger has already hinted strongly that he won’t be replaced and Ainsley Maitland-Niles, will get his chance in the middle.