Why Morgan Schneiderlin Addition Would Be a Huge Boost for Arsenal

Why Morgan Schneiderlin Addition Would Be a Huge Boost for Arsenal

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If Arsenal can land Morgan Schneiderlin, it would be another major step toward becoming credible challengers for the Premier League title.

Schneiderlin seems open to the prospect of a summer move, although much will depend on Southampton’s finish to the season. Speaking to French newspaper L’Equipe (h/t Here Is the City), he reiterated his eagerness to experience Champions League football.

In August, I wanted to take a move but the club had lost too many players to agree to sell me. Since then I have had discussions with the leaders and I want to play at the highest level. It is important at 25 years old to finally know the Champions League.

Southampton could yet make the top four, but with Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal ahead of them in the Premier League standings, it looks unlikely. If Schneiderlin wants to test himself on the European stage, he may need to a move to another club.

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There had been dubious whispers that Schneiderlin had a pre-contract agreement with Arsenal. However, the France international denied that to Canal+ (h/t the Daily Mail), saying:

I haven't been in contact with [Arsenal manager Arsene] Wenger. I have a contract until 2017. Today, I aspire to play at the highest level. There are clubs that are interested, but I haven't agreed to join anyone. I am concentrating on my matches. I know for sure that something is going to happen.

Nevertheless, the Gunners are sure to be contenders in any battle for Schneiderlin’s signature. Despite the surprise development of Francis Coquelin, Wenger still requires reinforcement in midfield.

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Coquelin can’t be asked to anchor the Arsenal midfield on his own, and Wenger is startlingly short of alternative holding midfielders. Mikel Arteta and Mathieu Flamini are both fading physical forces, and Abou Diaby is reportedly set to be released at the end of this season, per the Daily Mail.
Schneiderlin would offer class and competition at the base of the Gunners’ midfield three. As good as Coquelin has been, a little rivalry would surely only be healthy and push both players to perform to their maximum.
What’s more, the two players could complement each other. Their list of attributes is far from identical. Coquelin is more of a pure destroyer. According to stats service Squawka, Coquelin averages a higher number of blocks and clearances in every game. However, Schneiderlin creates 0.77 chances per game, as opposed to Coquelin’s meagre 0.2. The Southampton man is a more complete midfield player, with the ability to do damage in the opposition box when required.

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At St. Mary’s, Schneiderlin is partnered by the tough-tackling Victor Wanyama. There are definitely occasions when it could suit Arsenal to field him alongside a more conventional ball-winner such as Coquelin.
Wenger’s first title-winning team had two Frenchman working as a double pivot at the base of their midfield. Coquelin and Schneiderlin might not quite scale the heights of World Cup winners Emmanuel Petit and Patrick Vieira, but there’s certainly no reason why they can’t combine to be a dominant pair at the heart of the Arsenal midfield.