ESPN FC sources recently suggested the Gunners have "made contact" with Saints over the impressive midfielder. The speculated price tag of £25 million should be considered the upper end of what Schneiderlin is worth after yet another notable season in the Premier League.
The France international would bring a unique physical presence to Arsenal's short, scrappy midfield.
Manager Arsene Wenger needs a tall, powerful central midfielder to patrol the halfway line and allow the Gunners' attack to swamp forward without a second thought. Schneiderlin's ball-playing skills and ability to read the game make him an obvious candidate.