Arsenal will reportedly offload three midfield players this summer in order to fund a move for Southampton star Morgan Schneiderlin.

Mikel Arteta and Mathieu Flamini are the highest profile of those said to be heading for the exit, while injury-prone Frenchman Abou Diaby could also be on his way out.

It is claimed by The Sun that Arteta is eyeing up a return to his Spanish homeland with David Moyes's Real Sociedad one of his potential suitors, while Flamini is thought to be surplus to requirements following the emergence of Francis Coquelin this year.

Diaby, meanwhile, has made just two appearances in the last couple of seasons, and with his contract due to expire at the end of the current campaign Arsene Wenger is unlikely to renew his terms.

Arsenal have been repeatedly linked with a move for Schneiderlin over the past 15 months or so, with a £20m bid expected to be made in the off-season.