Arsenal Transfer News: Morgan Schneiderlin Approach Made, Latest Rumours

Arsenal have made "their first moves" to sign French midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin of Southampton, according to ESPN FC.

It is suggested the north Londoners have registered their interest in the midfielder but are yet to make a concrete bid. "The Gunners have now made contact with Southampton, although they have yet to register an offer," reports ESPN FC.

Metro (h/t Jack De Menezes of The Independent) reported a similar story during the 2014 summer transfer window. Despite players such as Luke Shaw, Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert and Calum Chambers leaving the club, Schneiderlin was not allowed to depart.

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He told the St. Mary's hierarchy he wanted to depart and eventually expressed his annoyance on Twitter, per Sky Sports: "6 years of an amazing journey #saintsfc DESTROYED in 1 hour !!!"

Although the Frenchman's season has been blighted by injury of late, he has underlined why he would be such a smart acquisition for Arsene Wenger's team. Schneiderlin has made 26 Premier League appearances this campaign, averaging 3.7 tackles, 2.6 interceptions and 1.7 clearances from the heart of Ronald Koeman's midfield, per WhoScored.com.

He is an underrated distributor of the ball and has completed 89.3 per cent of his passes this season, keeping things ticking over on the halfway line. The 25-year-old has even added goals to his game, netting four during Saints' quest to gain European football.

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Wenger has uncovered a rough diamond in Francis Coquelin this season, but he needs top-class alternatives to plug Arsenal's midfield. Placing Schneiderlin alongside his compatriot could create a combative partnership, finally adding much-needed grit to the team's centre.

Koeman was unwilling to commit when asked about Schneiderlin's future recently, reported by ESPN FC: "There aren't any serious bids for the player. He is happy, but it's up to the player."

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Arsenal's defensive-midfield needs have also seen them linked to Sporting Lisbon's William Carvalho, reported by Darren Lewis of the Mirror. He is a riskier purchase—having endured a recent run of poor form and being inexperienced in the Premier League—but could still provide the muscle needed.

Should Wenger invest well during the summer, B/R UK's James McNicholas believes the second-placed Gunners can catch champions Chelsea:

Schneiderlin appears to be a natural fit for the club, especially considering the more dogged approach Arsenal have taken this year.

January's terrific 2-0 win over Manchester City remains the blueprint for how Wenger's side should play. In that game, they closed down quickly, played the ball forward with intent and swarmed on the counter-attack—things Schneiderlin could help them achieve more frequently.