5 Reasons Why Arsenal Should Go All out for Morgan Schneiderlin in the Summer

Arsenal are widely expected to launch a bid for Southampton's Morgan Schneiderlin when the transfer window reopens this summer.

Some reports, including this from L'Equipe (h/t the Daily Star's Jack Wilson), have even suggested that Schneiderlin has already agreed to join the Gunners in the summer.

Arsenal have been on the hunt for a new defensive midfielder for years now, and Schneiderlin looks as if he could be the man to end the long wait. In this piece, we list five reasons why the Frenchman would be an ideal signing for Arsene Wenger's side.

Francis Coquelin Needs Competition

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Francis Coquelin's emergence has been one of the surprise successes of Arsenal's season. However, there is no guarantee he will sustain this form in the long-term. Arsenal need another holding midfielder to challenge him.

It's worth remembering that what brought this level of performance out of Coquelin was stiff competition for a first-team place. When given his opportunity, he knew he had to seize it. In order to maintain that kind of environment, Arsenal must sign a new top-class holding midfielder to compete with Coquelin.

He's the Best Available

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Simply put, Morgan Schneiderlin is the best available holding midfielder on the market this summer.

He's been the best midfield performer outside of the top four for two seasons now. If Southampton fail to make the top four, it's inevitable that he will look to join a Champions League club. Arsenal must do everything they can to make sure they're at the head of that queue.

With much of the squad building work already undertaken, Arsenal will only need one or two recruits this summer. That means Arsene Wenger can afford to direct a large proportion of his budget in to the chase for Schneiderlin.

He Would Strengthen Arsenal's Competitors

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This summer, Arsenal neglected to sign Cesc Fabregas because Arsene Wenger felt they didn't need him. The consequences have been disastrous, with Fabregas leading Chelsea's charge towards the Premier League title.

It might seem cynical, but one of the best reasons for Arsenal to sign Morgan Schneiderlin is to prevent him going elsewhere. If he were to join Manchester City or Chelsea it would only widen the gap between those elite teams and the rest.

Mikel Arteta Is on the Wane

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By May, Arsenal captain Mikel Arteta will have missed the majority of the season through injury.

Although he is likely to be granted a contract extension, his role will most likely be significantly diminished next season. Arsenal need to sign Morgan Schneiderlin to ensure they have the requisite depth in the middle of the park.

It Would Weaken a Rival

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Remarkable as it is, Southampton are now a rival for Arsenal.

Although they showed remarkable durability to cope with the loss of several stars last summer, the loss of Morgan Schneiderlin would hit them hard. If Arsenal snatch Southampton's best player, they would deliver a huge blow to one of the clubs looking to supersede them next season.