Arsenal Blow As Man Utd Step-Up Interest In £25m Midfield Target

As the opening of the summer transfer window approaches, managers are working hard identifying targets and lining-up potential deals so we’ll bring you all the news and gossip. Today, Manchester United step up their interest in Morgan Schneiderlin…

Arsenal have been handed a blow as Manchester United have stepped-up their interest in Southampton’s £25m-rated midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin, according to reports.

Schneiderlin has just come off the back of another impressive season as St Mary’s but he’s expected to leave this summer after Southampton failed to qualify for the Champions League next year.

The midfielder confirmed to reporters earlier this month that he’s made his decision to leave the Saints and wants to join a Premier League club competing in the Champions League.

‘Yes, I think my decision is made. I learned a lot last season. The goal is to stay in England. It is a championship that I like and where I have a lot of fun. If I leave Southampton, it is for a club that plays better than the Europa League.

‘There are ongoing discussions but nothing is done. But of course the Champions League is my goal. If I leave Southampton it will be for a club in the Champions League.

‘I have a two-year contract. If a club pays the right amount for me, it will be time to leave.

‘The amount? I have no idea but I will not leave for a small price. Southampton is known to be a good seller club, the price should be high enough.’ Schneiderlin is quoted as saying by the Daily Mail

The French international has attracted strong interest from Arsenal in recent months with Arsene Wenger reportedly making the 25-year-old one of his key transfer targets this summer.

There have even been reports suggesting the Gunners have already agreed personal terms with Schneiderlin but are struggling to strike a deal with Southampton due to their £25m asking price.

It seems the North Londoners are now going to face stiff competition for his signature as the Telegraph are reporting that Manchester United have now stepped-up their interest in signing the Frenchman this summer.

Louis van Gaal is on the look-out for midfield reinforcements and while a whole host of names have been linked with a move to Old Trafford, the newspaper suggests that Schneiderlin has now emerged as a key target.

READ MORE –> Arsenal transfer news | Man Utd transfer news

With two of England’s most powerful clubs battling it out, it’s going to be interesting to see where Schneiderlin ends up this summer and it’s likely to come down to which club is prepared to meet Southampton’s asking price.

£25m is a reasonable fee in today’s market for a player of Schneiderlin’s quality but Wenger never pays over what he feels a player is worth so if he refuses to meet what Southampton are wanting, it could leave the door open for United to wrap-up a deal.