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Coquelin ready to fight Xhaka for Arsenal place

Competition for places in the Gunners midfield is intense, but the Frenchman has no intention of conceding a spot to his Swiss counterpart without a fight.

Francis Coquelin is ready to offer Arsenal a selection headache and insists he will fight Granit Xhaka for his place in the heart of midfield.

The 25-year-old has developed into a key component of Arsene Wenger's side in the past two years, but he has not started a match for the Gunners since damaging his knee during the 3-0 win over Chelsea on Sept. 24.

Coquelin's absence has allowed Xhaka — who cost a reported 30 million pounds ($36.