Southampton FC: Arsenal FC Losing Interest in Saints Star Morgan Schneiderlin
The interest in Southampton FC and France defensive midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin appears to be waning. It is being reported that Arsenal — a club interested in signing Schneiderlin since last summer — have lost interest in the French international.
More from Arsenal
- Arsenal injury news: Mikel Arteta confirms “rapid” attacker suffered injury
- Arsenal transfer news: Mikel Arteta rivals Manchester United for wonderkid
- Arsenal predicted lineup vs PSV: Mikel Arteta to drop “Henry-esque” winger
- Alan Shearer blasts “slow” Arsenal player – Should Mikel Arteta drop him?
- “Beast” Arsenal fans have noticed the GREAT form of fringe midfielder
With the emergence of 23-year old defensive midfielder Francis Coquelin as an anchor in Arsene Wenger’s midfield, Arsenal will now look to other areas of the squad that need strengthening.
While Arsenal have most likely removed themselves from the race for Morgan Schneiderlin, the Frenchman has already stated that he would leave Southampton FC this summer if the club does not qualify for the Champions League.
Thanks to the Aston Villa victory over Liverpool in the FA Cup Semi-Final, Southampton must now finish top six to qualify for Europe. With Chelsea and Liverpool still interested in a move for the defensive midfielder, Schneiderlin remaining at St Mary’s next season are extremely slim.
Another Premier League side that could be in the mix for the Southampton FC star is Tottenham. Former Saints manager Mauricio Pochettino joined Spurs last summer and attempted to bring Schneiderlin and Southampton forward Jay Rodriguez with him.
Though Tottenham will likely be without Champions League football next season, Pochettino’s interest in his former star is unlikely to have waned. With Schneiderlin enjoying some of his best career moments under Pochettino, who’s to say he won’t choose to rejoin his former boss.
While Arsenal are expected to proceed without interest in Schneiderlin, the lack of interest could be a tactical move by Arsene Wenger in order to attract less attention. With the side putting its faith in Coquelin, it is also putting its faith in an unproven midfielder.
While Coquelin has just burst onto the scene this season for Arsenal, Schneiderlin has been on the club’s radar for over a year. If the side were truly comfortable with Coquelin, why would the side have attempted to sign the Saints man so many times over the last year?
More from The Top Flight
- Barcelona identify Newcastle star as Robert Lewandowski replacement
- Arsenal injury news: Mikel Arteta confirms “rapid” attacker suffered injury
- “600 days” Fans make SHOCK Chelsea revelation – They really are poor
- Arsenal transfer news: Mikel Arteta rivals Manchester United for wonderkid
- Manchester United: Erik ten Hag pinpoints 4 players amid Brighton loss
Making Southampton feel a lack of interest for their want away midfielder could also allow other clubs to take advantage. Offering less than the desired value and signing the French international for pennies on the dollar.
While Ronald Koeman and Southampton will love to hear Arsenal back-off in their attempts to sign, the chance the side has in retaining their most valuable asset remains slim.
If Schneiderlin really has his heart set on playing Champions League football next season, there is nothing the club can really do to stop him. Forcing Schneiderlin to stay for a second summer in a row will do nothing but hurt relations.
With Arsenal out of the running for Morgan Schneiderlin, the race now appears to be down to a two horse race. The only question now is not if Schneiderlin will leave the South Coast, but where will the Frenchman end up playing next season?