Arsenal in pole position to sign Southampton midfield star Morgan Schneiderlin

Arsenal are closing in on securing a deal in signing Southampton star Morgan Schneiderlin, according to the Telegraph.

The 25-year-old has been heavily linked with a move away from St Mary' Stadium and had publicly expressed his desire to leave his current employers last summer. However, the Saints managed to keep hold of the player, who has been exceptional in helping the club sit seventh in the league table.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino was keen on signing his former player before the start of the season. However, Southampton turned down their offer, but the White Hart Lane outfit are still keen on landing Schneiderlin.

The French international has been handed a bumper deal to continue on the South Coast, which will make him the highest paid player in Southampton. Earlier, he had expressed his desire to play in the Champions League and is not looking to extend his contract with Ronald Koeman's side.

With Tottenham failing to finish in the top four, a move to Spurs will not help him fulfil his ambition to compete at the top level. Arsenal are now in the driving seat to secure the midfielder's signature.

Arsene Wenger's side are set to seal the deal after their season ends in May. They have two more games left in this season, which also includes the FA Cup final against Aston Villa on 30 May.

Schneiderlin has been the Gunners' priority signing for a long time as they look to bolster their midfield. However, the emergence of Francis Coquelin had made Arsenal consider their options.

Despite Coquelin's impressive form in the second half of the season, Wenger is convinced his side will need a midfielder and wants to bring the Southampton star to the Emirates as soon as their season in concluded.

The French midfielder is valued around £25m-£30m ($38.7m-$46.4m) and Arsenal need to meet Southampton's valuation in signing Schneiderlin.