Arsenal and Tottenham Boosted as Morgan Schneiderlin Considers Southampton Exit

Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are set for a tussle in the transfer market in their pursuit of Morgan Schneiderlin after he hinted at leaving Southampton during the summer transfer window.

Both north London clubs are reportedly keen on signing the midfielder as the Saints brace themselves for another departure from St Mary's this summer. Rickie Lambert and Luke Shaw have penned their moves to Liverpool and Manchester United respectively while skipper Adam Lallana's move to the Merseyside club looks imminent.

The 24-year-old's former manager Mauricio Pochettino who switched his allegiance to Tottenham wants the French international to be a part of the White Hart Lane roster. But, Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is said to have earmarked his compatriot as a long-term replacement for Mikel Arteta.

Schneiderlin went on to reveal having conversations with the club's directors about his intentions for the upcoming campaign.

"Listen, I'm aware of Southampton's situation. On a personal level, the club know my position and know what I want to do. I had a good conversation with all the directors," Schneiderlin explained.

"I've been there for a long time now. We'll see how things go, but the directors know my position and what my intentions are. Everyone has ambitions, everyone has his own future in his hands, so we'll see. Every player wants to play on big occasions."

Schneiderlin, who still has three years remaining in his current deal at St Mary's, has already admitted that he aspires to play in the Champions League. Arsenal are the only club among the two north London rivals that can offer him that luxury.

Meanwhile, France are due to play Nigeria in the last-16 stage of the World Cup on Monday. Schneiderlin made his debut appearance in the tournament as the Les Bleus were held to a goalless draw against Ecuador in their last Group E fixture.

The Saints midfielder is upbeat about his country's chances of winning the world championship once again and exudes faith in their World Cup winning manager Didier Deschamps.

"‎It's just an amazing spirit in the squad. We all working very hard, we all like each other. We know it's going to be tough and we take each game as the final, and then we see," Schneiderlin said.

"We have the best man [Deschamps] in charge to explain what it's like. He's got the experience. He knows how to take it and he's going to give us a lot of advice," he concluded.