Name the player who was close to joining Arsenal and told his club of his wish to pursue the transfer? The same player even went on a mini-strike to portray his anger when the deal didn’t go through. But, he pulled his socks for the rest of the season and put up a good performance for his club. And just like that as the season ended, he’s back on the transfer market.
If you guys have guessed the name as Morgan Schneiderlin…well…you may not get any brownie points. The French midfielder was so close to joining Arsenal. The interest was real from the Gunners; the reciprocal interest from the player was evident. The bid was also ready to be placed. The only thing that was missing is the fact that Southampton didn’t want to let the player go at any cost.
This was almost a year back. Schneiderlin proved his worth again at the club but still harbors the hope of playing Champions League football. For someone with his skill and calibre, that should not be an unrealistic hope.
Little wonder then that as the season wound up to a close, Schneiderlin is back being linked to every club. Actually, it’s not being linked to every club but specifically Manchester United and Arsenal. The Manchester club is looking for a midfield general to partner Michael Carrick, and Schneiderlin fits the bill perfectly.
Early reports pointed that he was interested in a move to Arsenal. There of course is no substantial confirmation of the interest resurfacing from the club or that the player himself is interested. However, Arsenal checks most of the boxes that any player would put up before a transfer market opens.
However if the latest reports are to be believed, Schneiderlin is close to accepting personal terms with Man United. The transfer fee is to be finalized between the clubs but that could be a major shoo-off for other interested parties including Arsenal.
Will he be missed as a target or is it something that the club can do away with? A hypothetical question but Schneiderlin has proved in his time at Southampton that he can step up his game. Obviously he would be a good addition to any club in the Premier League.
That wouldn’t however mean that Arsenal could miss him. On the contrary, it could be a blessing in disguise as the club can now move for more realistic targets. Better still if that target is Arturo Vidal. Who knows, the Chilean midfield general may be pursued more vigorously now.
Sridhar