Arsenal Transfer News: Morgan Schneiderlin Rumours Revived, Mattia Destro Latest

Southampton are reportedly targeting Dutch midfielder Jordy Clasie "to replace" Morgan Schneiderlin, who continues to be linked with a move to Arsenal, as reported by Alex Crook of the Mirror.

Schneiderlin has enjoyed a monstrous season in the heart of Saints' midfield. He is likely to move on at the end of the season, especially after handing in a transfer request last summer, with Crook's article suggesting Ronald Koeman has already pinpointed Clasie as the Frenchman's successor.

Such considerations could be key to helping Arsene Wenger find the illustrious defensive midfielder Arsenal so desperately need. The manager has signed youngster Krystian Bielik and is on the verge of confirming Villarreal defender Gabriel Paulista during the current transfer window, per BBC Sport, but he will most likely need to wait until the summer before getting his hands on Schneiderlin.

Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

According to the Daily Express, Wenger is also looking to strengthen the versatility of his squad with the capture of a useful Borussia Dortmund star, tweeted via football writer Samuel Jay C:

Bruce Archer of the Daily Star recently suggested Arsenal are "likely" to sign Roma forward Mattia Destro but developments in Italy indicate this isn't the case. Sky Italia's Gianluca Di Marzio believes AC Milan and Wolfsburg are willing to spend big on the 23-year-old who has scored five Serie A goals this season.

"

Today Milan contacted Destro's agent and tomorrow they'll meet with Roma sporting director (Walter) Sabatini. Destro is also being pursued by Wolfsburg, who offered €30 million to Roma and €4 million to the player, the striker also wants to be sold rather than be loaned out, tomorrow he'll talk to (Rudi) Garcia about his role at the club.

"

B/R UK's Gunners specialist James McNicholas recently discussed a handful of potential signings for the club:

Arsenal showed their quality and improved resiliency during the recent 2-0 win over Manchester City. That was a gutsy performance, something we haven't seen from Wenger's team too often against top sides in recent years.

A player of Schneiderlin's ilk is still needed, though. Arsenal recycle the ball well but don't have an individual who can assert his physicality in the middle. Mikel Arteta's continued injuries and Mathieu Flamini's ability to go missing underlines this. Francis Coquelin has performed well during his recent run in the team, but he needs to continue improving if he's to stay there.

It's questionable whether Destro offers greater quality than Arsenal already possess up top, particularly considering his price tag. Wenger needs to spend big on a world-class striker and can expect to get more for the aforementioned sum of €30 million.

Arsenal fans will undoubtedly be pleased to see the club making waves in the transfer market, however. Last season saw the north London side plummet from the top of the Premier League after failing to strengthen in the winter, so many will hope this year's additions can have the opposite effect.