The Gunners must make the signing of Southampton
midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin its prime priority in January or risk falling
further behind their title rivals.
The Gunners lack of presence and quality in defensive
midfield is obvious. Both Mathieu Flamini and Mikel Arteta have failed to
impress this season, with many Arsenal fans placing specific blame on the duo
for the clubs poor start to the season.
Schneiderlin has flourished for Southampton in the last
12 months and his performances have caught the eye of Arsene Wenger. He’s only
24, which gives him plenty of time to keep improving and become one of the best
in his position. He’s an all round quality midfielder, with brilliant passing,
tackling and strong in the air, Schneiderlin has also proven to be a goal
threat this season.
I think we’d be able to sign him for less than
£25million, but if that is the price Southampton are demanding, I’d like to see
Arsenal just pay up and get the deal done. He’s exactly the type of player
we need right now, if the Gunners worry about a few million we will miss out on
yet another transfer target to a rival team.
An alternative is Sami Khedira. A quality player, I’d
also be happy if he joined the club. Being a World Cup winner, powerful
midfield presence and on the market for around £15million, he appeals to many
Arsenal fans. But Schneiderlin is younger and much less injury prone. With the
Frenchman already Premier League proven and on form this season, he’d be
the perfect January signing but would come at a premium.
Khedira may need time to adjust to the pace of the
Premier League and with him barely playing for Real Madrid this season, he will
need plenty of game time before finding his best form. Arsenal might not have
time to be patient with new signings and Schneiderlin would settle
immediately.
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