Arsenal advised against signing Morgan Schneiderlin to replace Francis Coquelin

Arsenal should refrain from signing Southampton midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin to replace Francis Coquelin after the Frenchman's impressive season for the Gunners, according to former defender Frank McLintock.

Coquelin's lengthy spell in the North Londoners' first team has coincided with the club's superb end to the campaign, with the club having won 16 of their last 18 games in all competitions.

Recent reports suggest Arsenal remain interested in signing the £25m-rated ($37m) Schneiderlin this summer but McLintock has attempted to warn the club off the addition by claiming it would overshadow the emergence of Coquelin.

"[Coquelin has been] very good," he said. "They've been linked with Schneiderlin at Southampton. He's got height, something Arsenal have been lacking because they've been a small team for a long time.

"So someone of that calibre would be a good thing. But it would be a shame if he were to replace Coquelin, he's come on a bundle in the last month or so. That's because he has the opportunity to play regularly and he's taken on the task very well."

While Arsenal are all but guaranteed a place in next season's Champions League, Southampton trail fourth place Manchester City by five points with six games remaining.

Finishing in the top four could be key to keeping Schneiderlin on the south coast for another season after the France international admitted he could no longer bare watching the competition on television.

"It is not me who sets the price," he said. "But it is a reality.

"In August, I wanted to progress my career but the club had let too many players go to sell me.

"Since then, I have had talks with the directors and I want to play at a higher level. It is important, at 25 years old, to finally play in the Champions League.

"At the end of the season, Southampton can qualify for the Champions League and I can also stay – who knows. But I no longer want to be in front of my TV every Tuesday and Wednesday."