Chelsea and Arsenal to scrap for Germany’s midfield maestro

After an injury-ravaged season Sami Khedira was by no means a shoe-in to start for Germany at the World Cup, but following some towering performances in Brazil, the Real Madrid midfielder is in high demand.

Arsenal made it known early on in the tournament that they were keen on bringing Khedira to the Emirates to join up with Die Mannschaft teammates Mesut Ozil, Lukas Podolski and Per Mertesacker.

But after a succession of consummate midfield performances, firstly against France and then Brazil to ensure Germany made a first World Cup final since 2002, Chelsea have thrown their hat into the ring.

Khedira, 27, is thought to be rated at around the £25m mark by the Champions League winners.

Madrid’s forgotten man, after a six-month injury layoff, reminded the world of his talents by thrusting his teammates
forward in waves against Brazil before bagging the fourth goal of that six-minute swarm.

Khedira has always been known for his technical ability, but seldom has the former Stuttgart player been heralded as the creative hub of Joachim Loew’s side or Real Madrid’s for that matter.

However, on this evidence for the 4/6 World Cup favourites,Khedira has far more in his locker than a defensive-minded midfielder, something not lost on Chelsea and already identified by Arsene Wenger.

It’s believed huge wage demands on behalf of the player could be pivotal in his final destination, especially as Arsenal have just upped their own wage bill considerably after landing £33m Alexis Sanchez from Barcelona.

Los Blancos’ desires to snare Chelsea midfielder Ramires could yet be an important factor, although the opportunity to join his international teammates in north Londons could prove to alluring for Khedira.

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