Real’s release fears give Arsenal renewed hope of Khedira deal
Published:There are those prospective transfers that are ‘off’ then ‘on’ then ‘off’ then ‘on’ again as they rumble on for months with various twists along the way and one such backdrop to the summer is Arsenal’s pursuit of Sami Khedira.
The World Cup-winning midfielder is seeking a move away from Real Madrid, but earlier suggestions that Arsenal were closing in on their man quickly became obsolete as the deal went dead.
However, fresh revelations in Spanish newspaper Marca – that Bayern Munich lie in wait to snap up Khedira on a free when the German’s current contract runs out next summer – now make a sale this summer Real’s preference.
Such a stance from the Spanish club, who are clearly reluctant to relinquish such a talent to their biggest Champions League rivals, must be seen as an opportunity for Arsenal to renew negotiations.
Arsene Wenger is a fervent admirer of Khedira’s who he sees as the perfect man to anchor a midfield in which Mikel Arteta and Mathieu Flamini no longer cut the mustard as truly world-class options.
In transfer windows gone by delving deep into the club’s pockets could have been an obstacle, but the Gunners have seemingly turned a new leaf in that respect.
Realising that the gap between being top-four regulars and concerted Premier League and Champions League challengers desperately needed bridging, Wenger’s finally entered into the big-spending game.
Having sanctioned £40m and £32m fees for Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez in the last 12 months, the £25-30m required to land Khedira should not be an issue any longer.
Arsenal are currently deemed 13/2 shots for the title and 20/1 pokes to win a first Champions League in the forthcoming season.
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