Wenger to choose between two midfield signings.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is set to try to push through a move for Real Madrid midfielder Sami Khedira this summer, with Southampton’s Morgan Schneiderlin his second choice for a new signing in that position.
According to the Daily Mirror, the experienced German international could cost around £18m as he has just one year left on his current contract with the Spanish giants, though Schneiderlin could also be available after admitting he has spoken with his manager Ronald Koeman about his future.
The 24-year-old is set to return from Brazil after being part of France’s squad for the 2014 World Cup, and he says he will make a decision on his future after going on holiday, insisting that what he said to Koeman will remain private.
“Yes he called me about a week ago, but what was said will stay between us,” he said.
“He wants me to stay and we’ll see. I don’t know yet. I still have three years’ contract at Southampton. Nothing has happened, I am going to relax and go on holiday and we will see.”
Although Khedira appears to be Wenger’s first choice to come in in defensive midfield, the Gunners boss has also been impressed by Schneiderlin, who was statistically one of the best in the Premier League in that position this season, with the highest number of tackles and interceptions of any player in that role.
Khedira’s Germany side eliminated Schneiderlin’s French squad from the World Cup, and the Real Madrid man will now prepare for a World Cup semi-final against Brazil before sorting out his club future.