If you believe the many Arsenal transfer rumours from last year, then Arsenal were seriously interested in signing the France international Morgan Schneiderlin from Southampton. But the south coast club held firm and after the way the central midfielder has been central to a surprisingly good season for the Saints, you can understand why.
It seemed a bit unfair, however, that they did not stand so firm on the transfer moves of Luke Shaw to Man United or the trio of Adam Lallana, Dejan Lovren and Rickie Lambert to Liverpool. We did get Calum Chambers though so cannot complain too much and it looks like our versatile defender could soon be reunited with his former team mate.
As reported by the Daily Star, Schneiderlin’s current manager Ronald Koeman has given the Gunners some great encouragement to bid for the star this summer. We know that he wanted to move on last summer but he has been very professional and Koeman will not stand in his way of a move to a bigger club this time around.
The Dutchman said, “It will be hard when there is real interest in the player. It is up to the player what he likes to do.
“It is very hard but normally if we have the season like we have so far there will be interest in the players of Southampton.
“If he gets a big offer from a big team, there is always interest for the player and I understand that.
“That is normal, we know our level and that is a compliment for the players and the club.”
That is a pretty clear green light for Arsene Wenger, although it does not mean the player will be either cheap or easy to get as there are bound to be other clubs after him. One of them could be Man United and they will be handing Louis van Gaal another massive transfer kitty, especially if they stay in the Champions League places.
Will Schneiderlin finally become a Gunner this summer?