ARSENAL & MAN UNITED HAVE BEEN PUT ON HIGH ALERT
Southampton midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin has revealed that he will know the club he will play for next season in the “coming days”.
Arsenal and Manchester United are the two main clubs chasing the French international, plus Tottenham Hotspur, according to widespread reports.
Just three days ago, Arsenal were said to be close to signing the 25 year old, whilst Saints legend Matt Le Tissier told Schneiderlin to choose Manchester United.
But what seems almost certain is that Schneiderlin will leave Southampton.
“The negotiations are ongoing and should be completed in the coming days,” Schneiderlin told France Bleu Alsace radio station.
“Hopefully before the resumption of [Southampton’s pre-season] training next week.”
Schneiderlin has spent seven years at Southampton, in which time he has seen them fight off administration, and then secure back to back promotions to the Premier League.
He signed from Strasbourg in 2008 for just £1 million, and is likely to be sold for around £25 million.
Southampton’s asking price is believed to be £24.2 million
Bookmaker Betfair seem confident that Schneiderlin will be playing under fellow countryman Arsene Wenger at Arsenal this coming season, after slashing odds of 5/1 on the transfer.
“Schneiderlin has been a wanted man for several transfer windows now,” said Betfair spokesman Michael Bowers.
“It seems as though Wenger is trying to force a deal through early to fend off other suitors.”
The player looked to be leaving last summer, after reportedly handing in a transfer request, and tweeting this on his official account:
“6 years of an amazing journey #saintsfc DESTROYED in 1 hour !!!”- @SchneiderlinMo4
Despite this, the central midfielder played a key role in propelling Saints to 7th position, their highest top flight finish, and qualification for the Europa League.
Schneiderlin’s current contract at St. Mary’s runs until the summer of 2017.
By Joseph Richardson
