Arsenal poised as Koeman admits Southampton could struggle to keep Schneiderlin

Southampton boss Ronald Koeman recently revealed that Morgan Schneiderlin would miss the remainder of the season through injury (the BBC), but what does this mean for us?

SEE MORE:
Arsenal news
Football App
Floyd Mayweather Vs Manny Pacquiao Live Stream: Stage Set For Biggest Fight In Boxing History

We have long been linked with a move for the Saints general (via the Daily Star), a player who is believed to be the answer to our midfield problems. Admittedly, our need for a defensive midfielder has lessened since the emergence of Francis Coquelin, but we can’t rely on the young Gunner in every game.

The report suggests that Schneiderlin will be out for weeks, and will certainly miss the remaining games of the season. But will this help or hinder our chances of signing the Frenchman this summer?

Southampton seem keen to keep hold of him, with Koeman hoping not to break up a team that has served him well in his debut season. That may prove difficult however, as Schneiderlin seems determined to pursue Champions League football, (via the Daily Mail).

The 25-year-old may look to force his way out of St Mary’s this summer, and there are only a few clubs he could realistically end up at.

Don't Miss:

Koeman claims it is up to the midfielder where he ends up, and his comments sound like those of a manager who is resigned to losing his player.

“I don’t know [if he’s played his last game], or about interest or about bids,” Koeman said, according to the Express.

“We like to keep everybody but we know sometimes it’s difficult.

“There aren’t any serious bids for the player. He is happy but it’s up to the player.”

The Express has linked him not only with us, but with Chelsea, Manchester United, Tottenham, and Liverpool as well. If he is serious about Champions League football then he is unlikely to choose Liverpool or Tottenham – despite his previous experience with Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino.

He would be mad to choose Chelsea, with Nemanja Matic having been arguably the best defensive midfielder over the course of the season. Manchester United is an option, but he has been far more heavily linked with us.

Schneiderlin would be a fantastic acquisition, and would really go a long way towards making us title challengers once again. He seems almost certain to leave Southampton this summer, but will he end up at the Emirates?