Morgan Schneiderlin has hinted he may be on his way out of Southampton in the summer, with Arsenal his likely destination
However, despite long-term rumours linking him with a move to the Emirates, the French midfielder insists he has not yet had any contact with the north London club.
Schneiderlin clearly wants a move to a Champions League side and has not been put off by his countryman Yohan Cabaye's struggles since stepping up from Newcastle to Paris St-Germain in 2014.
I haven't had contact with [Arsene] Wenger. Clubs are interested in me but I've not given my word to anyone.
I want to play at the highest level, Cabaye is an excellent player who joined PSG to win titles. We players, we like competition. I think he does not regret his choice at all.
The 25-year-old Schneiderlin has been a key part of an impressive Saints side this term, per the Premier League, and he is arguably the best defensive midfielder in the division.
He would be a fine addition to the Gunners team, bringing terrific passing range and adding a long-needed combative edge to the Arsenal side.
Anderson's report suggests Saints will fail in their bid to retain one of their star players this summer, with Arsenal apparently prepared to offer Schneiderlin significantly more than a mooted new £60,000 per-week deal at St Mary's.
While the Emirates outfit will likely need to pay about £25 million for the 25-year-old's services, he would be a key addition in front of the back four to bring greater defensive protection.
Francis Coquelin has become a key part of Wenger's side in the deep-lying midfield role but Schneiderlin would be an upgrade in the middle of the park
With Arsenal looking increasingly likely to finish the season in the top four and Southampton slipping away somewhat, Schneiderlin will surely depart to the Emirates in the summer after failing to force a move last year.
Saints recovered from the loss of a several key players last summer, but they will find it hard to replace Schneiderlin with ease.
However, they simply do not have the financial clout to compete with Arsenal in the contract stakes, and Saints will likely be saying farewell to their French talisman come the season's end.
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