According to reports from The Daily Star this afternoon, Arsenal missed out on Manchester United signing Morgan Schneiderlin this summer because of Arsene Wenger’s indecisiveness.
The France international emerged as one of the Premier League’s most formidable enforcers during his three seasons in the top flight with Southampton, last term averaging the second-most tackles per match, 3.7, of any player in the division to earn himself a £25million move to Old Trafford in July.
But Arsenal were previously reported as the front-runners in the race to sign the 25 year-old, with many viewing him as the ideal candidate to add much-needed mettle to their engine room, and The Daily Star claim Arsene Wenger’s hesitance eventually scuppered an Emirates switch that had been agreed seven months prior.
They cite quotes from The Secret Footballer, the anonymous former professional who has published books and blogs revealing insider knowledge of English football.
He recently wrote on his website after meeting up with an Arsenal scout; “It’s Arsene [Wenger],” the scout said. “He’s so indecisive it’s frightening. We had [Morgan] Schneiderlin done and dusted last January and, by the summer, the gaffer had changed his mind.”
The scout also revealed Arsenal were closely tracking Heung Min Son last season, the South Korea international who joined local rivals Tottenham Hotspur for £22million in August, but Wenger eventually decided against a deal.
“Arsenal watched Son almost 30 times last season, with all the scouts in agreement that the player would be a fantastic addition. Son was 100 per cent perfect for us,” said the unnamed scout.