This is shaping out to be one of the protracted signings of the summer as the possible departure of World Cup winner and Real Madrid star midfielder Sami Khedira has been a subject for speculation since the window opened. A deal to Arsenal seemed almost complete early in July if you believe everything you read but however no official bids have been placed for him yet.
Interested clubs are Arsenal, Chelsea and Bayern Munich and they all have their attractions for Sami. For Arsenal, we seem to have two reasons in our corner. Firstly, we have a good working relationship with Real Madrid and secondly Sami is best of friends with Mesut Ozil and we have seen severally how little things like this have influenced major decisions about joining a club.
For Chelsea, the Jose Mourinho factor having coached Khedira at Madrid could work in their favour as Sami might prefer joining a coach who already knows his strengths especially as he is moving to a new country. A coach that knows you already can help that integration a lot smoother. Also the attraction of Chelsea been a more guaranteed trophy destination cannot be ruled out.
Reports last week also emanated from Germany that Pep Guardiola would love to have Sami in his team as he rebuilds for another season. Going back home to play in front of a German crowd for a German player with the biggest club in Germany ticks all the boxes but the decision of where Sami wants to move to firmly rests with him.
With just one year left in his contract, Madrid are claiming no bids have been received for Khedira’s services as the only communication that has been had with him is to inform him that he is expected at to resume training on Tuesday August 5th, 2014.
Arsenal need a defensive midfielder and have been heavily linked with players that suit this position such as Lars and Sven Bender, Morgan Schneiderlin and William Carvalho. Khedira might not tick all the boxes of a defensive minded midfielder as he loves to make forays up front reminiscent of the Alex Song era at Arsenal but having such a quality addition to your side is a prospect any club cannot ignore. The caliber of clubs currently seeking his services is a testament to the quality he possesses.
Quizzed after the Emirates cup win against Benfica, Wenger seemed to evade the question in relation to Sami Khedira saying:
“You want me always to buy more. Where do I put them all?”
But when quizzed about whether he had made an enquiry about the player, he added: “What is enquire for you? But If I read the newspapers, he is available. Thank you.”
The manager has already publicly admitted that he is likely to make two more signings before the window closes and with a replacement for soon to be departing Club captain Thomas Vermaelen one of those options and Wenger also stating that he has completed his business upfront, is a midfield option the other option? I guess we will all have to wait and see till the window closes of Wenger chooses to ‘Khedira’ or not to ‘Khedira’ .
