Arsene Wenger could make a January move for Spurs target Morgan Schneiderlin

The race to sign Morgan Schneiderlin is apparently back on, but unfortunately it looks like Spurs are no longer the only ones interested in his services. Arsene Wenger is now eying the Southampton midfielder according to the Telegraph, as Schneiderlin seems to be once again agitating for a move away from the Saints.

It's a funny thing about Schneiderlin. This summer, when Southampton looked like they were imploding, he unequivocally wanted out of the club, even implying that he could refuse to play if not sold to another club. He also seemed destined for Spurs. Then, the Saints started playing well, opening the season with an amazing run of form. Incredibly, he was then happy to be at Southampton! Now, it looks like the wheels are starting to fall off the Saints a bit, and the media narrative is now back to that he's totally done at this place, get me out of here NAO.

It's plain that Schneiderlin wants Champions League football, and he's good enough to play for a Champions League side, which is what makes Arsenal's supposed interest in him so topical, and so frightening. His passing, mobility, vision, and ability to play in multiple positions and roles make him ideal for Arsene Wenger's team. He could immediately start for the Gunners and improve them. And nobody wants that, right?

As for Spurs, the same thing applies, but it's more complicated because Tottenham already have a bazillion central midfielders. Any move for Schneiderlin probably necessitates the sale/loan of one of Paulinho, Dembele, or maybe someone like Capoue. Schneiderlin would be a fantastic addition for Spurs, especially after Nabil Bentaleb heads off to the African Cup of Nations in January. Spurs appeared to hedge their bets a bit this summer when they signed Benjamin Stamboui from Montpellier, who plays a lot like Schneiderlin but didn't cost £25m.

If Arsenal is indeed interested, that puts a real crimp in Mauricio Pochettino's plans (if he really has any) for Schneiderlin. I don't know if Pochettino really still wants him, but one thing we can all agree on is that we definitely don't want him moving to the Emirates, right?