Arsenal Transfer News: Gunners Enter Race for Highly Rated French Midfielder

Arsenal are reportedly leading the race to sign Southampton midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin, after holding talks with the Saints over the Frenchman's transfer.

The 24-year-old has openly stated his desire to leave Southampton, tweeting his displeasure and handing in a transfer request, following the departure of five of his teammates to big clubs including Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United.

It was believed that the former Strasbourg midfielder was keen to link up with former Southampton boss Mauricio Pochettino, who is reportedly looking to bring in Jay Rodriguez also from Southampton to Tottenham Hotspur.

However, the Saints, who have already lost the likes Adam Lallana, Luke Shaw, Dejan Lovren, Calum Chambers and Rickie Lambert this summer, seem to have turned down Schneiderlin's transfer request as new manager Ronald Koeman insisted that the Frenchman will continue "as a player at Southampton".

Now the Metro reports the Gunners have opened talks with the Saints over the possible transfer of Schneiderlin.

The report further added that Arsenal have also been in touch with the 24-year-old, trying to persuade him to join the red half of London, instead of the white.

Meanwhile, Joel Campbell says that he is ready to stay on at Arsenal and prove himself in the Premier League this season.

The 22-year-old striker, who was impressive in the 2014 World Cup as Costa Rica reached the quarterfinals of the competition, has not made a single appearance for Arsenal, having spent the last three seasons on loan at Lorient (2011/12) , Real Betis (2012/13) and Olympiacos (2013/14), since his arrival at the Emirates in the summer of 2011.

However, this season Campbell wants to stay at Arsenal and prove himself in the Premier League.

"The Premier League's the most interesting in the world and I've always wanted to play here," Campbell told The Sun. "It's my dream. And I believe I'm good enough.

"I've played around 100 games in three different top divisions in Europe - Lorient in France, Real Betis in Spain and Olympiakos in Greece, where I played Champions League, too.

"I also have 36 caps for my country and I have just played at a World Cup - the biggest competition on the planet. So I'm confident of being successful in any division in the world."