Arsenal’s main transfer target snubs rivals

Arsenal have been given a major boost in the race to sign Morgan Schneiderlin after he told French radio that he only wanted to join a club in the Champions League.

This would seem to rule out moves to Liverpool and, more importantly, Tottenham as both have only managed to qualify for next year’s Europa League.

It would also throw Schneiderlin’s Southampton future further into doubt as it’s unlikely that the Saints are going to make into UEFA’s elite competition anytime soon.

The French midfielder added that he is keen to stay in the Premier League which is unsurprising given how well his game is suited to the style of play.

Southampton manager Koeman managed to keep the player at the club last summer but it looks increasingly unlikely that he will be able to do so again this window.

Schneiderlin has just two years remaining on his contract so the Saints will know that this summer would be the best time to sell the player, however reluctant they might be to do so.