According to reports in The Mirror, West Ham United target and Arsenal midfielder Francis Coquelin is the subject of a £12m bid from La Liga side Valencia.

What’s the word, then?

Well, The Mirror reported earlier on Monday that the Irons were keen on the Frenchman as manager David Moyes has made bringing a new central midfielder to the club during the January transfer window a priority.

However, a report by The Mirror later on Monday says that Valencia have made an offer of £12m for the 26-year-old, who was left out of the Gunners squad as his side were beaten 4-2 by Nottingham Forest in the third round of the FA Cup at the City Ground on Sunday.

The report adds that Coquelin is keen to move on to get more game time and get his career back on track, with Wenger confirming on Tuesday that an exit is a “possibility”.

How has Coquelin done this season?

He has struggled to get regular minutes on the pitch.

The Frenchman has fallen down the pecking order with Aaron Ramsey and Granit Xhaka often preferred in the centre of the pitch, with Jack Wilshere also seemingly in favour once again in recent weeks.

The 26-year-old has made 13 appearances in all competitions, although he has only featured for a total of 155 minutes across seven outings in the Premier League and was hampered by a hamstring injury earlier in the campaign.

Would he be a good signing for West Ham?

Well, the Frenchman never seems to have really impressed with Arsenal and certainly isn’t a fans’ favourite, and it still seems unclear what his best position actually is.

While Wenger sees him as a defensive midfielder, he often seems to lack the discipline to play in that role as he always appears to be looking to run forward rather than hold his position.

That said, he has plenty of Premier League experience and has also featured in the Champions League, and he obviously has plenty of quality if he has done that, and could prove to be a shrewd buy for the Irons.

Will they get him?

It’s difficult to say.

While West Ham may be interested in Coquelin and a potential £12m price tag, the Frenchman may not be Moyes’ first-choice midfield target, and if that is the case then Valencia may have something of a free run at getting the 26-year-old.