Saints enforcer Schneiderlin has cropped up on Wenger’s radar.
Southampton midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin has emerged as a £15m transfer target for Arsenal as the club look for reinforcement in the centre of the park, according to Goal.
The Gunners have been struck down by a long-term injury to Aaron Ramsey and manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed the Welshman will be out for a number of weeks.
With Jack Wilshere having also struggled with fitness this term and Mathieu Flamini banned for three matches after receiving a straight red card against the Saints on Tuesday, midfield recruitment is needed.
Wenger had targeted Paris Saint-Germain star Blaise Matuidi, but it seems that the France international wants to stay at the Parc des Princes and is set to sign a new deal – with the 26-year-old’s current contract expiring in the summer.
Therefore the 64-year-old is going to have to look elsewhere and has come upon Schneiderlin, who has been impressing at St Mary’s in the top tier for the past 18 months.
The defensive midfielder came up through the leagues with the Hampshire side as they earned back-to-back promotions in 2011 and 2012 to reach the Premier League.
Schneiderlin has been at the club for five-and-a-half years after making the switch from Racing Strasbourg in the 24-year-old’s native France.
Since then the former under-21 international has played 212 times for the south coast outfit in all competitions and is an established member of the first team.
Wenger views Schneiderlin as a good option as the player already has experience of top flight football in England and will not be cup tied for the Champions League.
Check out the 10 worst Arsenal flops of the Premier League era.
Read more Arsenal transfer news.
COMMENTS