Arsenal midfield exodus: FOUR at risk as Wenger plots £20m Schneiderlin move

ARSENE WENGER is set for a big summer clear-out to pave the way for Southampton's Morgan Schneiderlin.

Arsenal at risk playersGETTY

Arsene Wenger could have a midfield clear-out to pave way for Morgan Schneiderlin

The Sun suggests that first on Wenger's hit-list is injury-prone midfielder Abou Diaby.

The 28-year-old has managed just one Capital One Cup performance all season, a defeat to Southampton, in which he was subbed after 67 minutes.

And Wenger can no longer warrant keeping him on the books, especially as his current contract expires in June.

Wenger said: "Diaby progresses well in training but isn't in a position to play. I'll talk to him about his contract this month."

Mikel Arteta or Mathieu Flamini are also reported to be on the way out. Both have only a year remaining on their contracts and have been hit by injuries this season.

Plus since recalling Francis Coquelin from Championship outfit Charlton, Arsenal's midfield is looking a little congested.

Morgan Schneiderlin player profile

And the 23-year-old Frenchman has just been handed a new three-year deal with the Gunners.

The Sun claim that Wenger would prefer Arteta to stay as club captain, as a role model to the younger players at the club.

But Arteta has hinted that he may be interested in linking up with former Everton boss David Moyes at Real Sociedad, and has no plans to be a bench-warmer.

However, should he opt to stay with the Gunners, Flamini will be the one to be shown the exit door, and could leave at a cut-price to fund a £20million Morgan Schneiderlin bid.

Also Per Mertesacker could be at risk, as the Metro suggests Wenger is eyeing a move for Lyon defender Samuel Umtiti.

The 21-year-old is having a superb season with the League 1 leaders and is reported to be on the fringes of the French national team.

Mertesacker, by comparison, has endured a tough season and has already lost his starting place to new signing Gabriel Paulista.

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