by Nia Griffiths

In the space of 24 hours, we seem to have gone from odds-on to be signing Morgan Schneiderlin, to the deal being completely off.

Such is life as an Arsenal fan.

What’s more, is apparently, as we said on Thursday, he’s off to Manchester United who are reported to be signing the Frenchman for £24m.

It’s rumoured that Arsene Wenger pulled the plug on the deal for the Southampton midfielder at the last minute, which I’m sure certain sectors of Arsenal fans are going to pounce on. However, truth be told, we don’t actually know why the deal’s off and if it truly is, I’m sure there’s a reasonably explanation.

The sudden cancellation of this deal has started to make the rumours that we’re signing Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal for £21.3m a little more plausible.

If I’m honest, I’m disappointed because Schneiderlin seems like the type of player we need. A defensive midfielder who’s Premier League ready and would happily battle for a place, rather than be put off if he’s playing second fiddle to Francis Coquelin.