Arsenal are set to battle their fierce rivals Tottenham Hotspur for the signature of Southampton midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin in the summer, as reported by the Daily Star.

Both the Gunners and Spurs were thought to be keen on signing him last summer, but Southampton were adamant that their star midfielder would not be allowed to leave the club.

They even kept hold of the French international despite Schneiderlin threatening to go on strike from the club.

They have benefitted from that decision, with Schneiderlin playing an integral role as they have charged to the Champions League places in the early part of the season.

However, the north London duo are still thought to be keen on a move, possibly worth £25 million.

Nothing is likely to happen in January.

The south coast club are not willing to see Schneiderlin depart during the winter window, with Champions League football on the cards, and the player himself recently admitted that the situation surrounding a move was delicate.

Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal target Morgan Schneiderlin has admitted that he is likely to stay at Southampton during the January transfer window, despite having pushed for a move away from the south coast in the summer.

In an attempt to force through a transfer to one of the Premier League’s bigger sides, he looked to go on strike, but was convinced by Ronald Koeman and the club’s hierarchy to stay and begin the campaign.

He played a key role as the Saints managed a draw in the FA Cup on Sunday against Ipswich Town, scoring.

Schneiderlin has also been integral to a campaign which has seen Southampton climb up the table, offering a genuine challenge to the Champions League places.

As a result, he is not sure about whether a move will go through before the window closes.

When asked about a move by French TV show Telefoot, he said: “That I don’t know. January is always a delicate month to leave in.

“I will finish my season with Southampton and then see what happens in the future.

“I don’t get worried about these things anymore.

“If this summer I have learned something, you can never think: I am gone, gone for good.”

Arsenal and Spurs have both been linked with the star in the past, and are thought to still be keen on a player who has been valued at around £27 million.