Southampton’s fine displays this season have seen many of their best players garner links to clubs further up the Premier League table. The Saints are currently 8th in the Premier League table and are in with a good shot of earning Europa League football next year. That’s largely due to the form of players like Adam Lallana, Jay Rodriguez and centre-back Jose Fonte.
One player who also deserves plaudits is Morgan Schneiderlin. Though he has a less eye-catching role to play than Lallana, he’s still got an important job to do in the heart of Southampton’s midfield. He’s the man who is tasked with keeping possession through simple, quick passes and winning the ball back should the Saints give it away.
His presence in the midfield is what allows Southampton to play their free-flowing, exciting football. As holding midfielders go, Schneiderlin is one of the very best in the Premier League. I’m surprised he hasn’t been linked to any big clubs prior to now.
This brings me to The Sun‘s claim that Arsene Wenger has his eyes on Schneiderlin, who he views as a replacement for Mikel Arteta.
Perhaps we should have seen this coming. Mikel Arteta and Morgan Schneiderlin have been tasked with similar jobs by their respective clubs. Like Arteta, Schneiderlin also has plenty of technical ability and flair to his game. With the Spaniard entering the final year of his Arsenal contract this summer, it’s time for Arsene Wenger to start lining up potential replacements.
The Sun suggest that Arsene Wenger will have £100m to spend this summer (wow!). As such, they’d certainly have enough financial firepower to make a deal for Schneiderlin happen.
Having made 213 appearances for Southampton, in League One, The Championship and the Premier League, Schneiderlin may well feel like it’s time for a change. He’s been a loyal servant for the Saints, but if the opportunity for Champions League football comes knocking, will he really be able to turn it down?
The Saints will get a decent sum of cash if they sell him, whilst Arsenal will get a 24-year-old, who’s ready to take the next step in his career. That sounds like a fair trade and something of a win-win.
Let’s just see if Arsene Wenger can persuade Mauricio Pochettino to sell!
What’s your take? Would Morgan Schneiderlin be a smart replacement for Mikel Arteta?
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arteta is no longer in his last year of his contract,arteta&mersetaker have recently signed contract extension