Arsenal Agree Deal For £26m Star, His Club Shopping For Replacement

Arsenal have emerged as the firm favourite to sign Real Madrid midfielder Sami Khedira following reports that the European Champions are set to replace the German international with Brazilian midfielder Cruzeiro’s Lucas Silva. The 21 year old defensive midfielder who can also play further up the field has been penciled down as the German’s replacement. Few weeks ago, it was reported that Arsenal already agreed deal in principle for Khedira ahead of January and the reports linking Real Madrid to Lucas can only further fuel the rumours.

Arsenal’s interest in Sami Khedira has been in place since the summer, and with no clear indication that he would sign an extension to his current contract in Madrid that runs out next summer, Arsenal remain in the hunt as one of the clubs that would seek to reach a pre-contract agreement with the World Cup winner.

Although, there have been reports that Chelsea are set to beat Arsenal to his signing by reaching a pre-contract agreement with the 27 year old in January. This is the case because he can enter into negotiations with any club interested in signing him by January, ahead of his expected Bosman transfer next summer.

There are indications from reports that Real Madrid could fast track the arrival of Lucas Silva from Cruzeiro in January so that they can pave the way for interested club to sign Sami Khedira for a set fee. He has not featured much in the early part of the season as a result of being trouble by a knee injury that required surgery in September. Whether he would be willing to move in January just six months from being a free agent when he is expected to command huge wages and sign on fee is another thing altogether.

The current German contingent currently in the books of the club has been pointed out as a factor that could be decisive in Sami Khedira’s choice to join Arsenal. He has an existing relationship with Mesut Ozil during the latter’s time at Real Madrid, and there is also Lukas Podolski and Per Mertesacker as well.

Arsenal’s legend Robert Pires joined the chorus of those that have claimed that Sami Khedira is the kind of midfielder that the club needs in midfield. According to him the German international boost the experience and physicality to make a difference in Arsenal’s central midfield.

With Real Madrid already in the hunt to replace Sami Khedira with Lucas Silva, the coast is essentially clear for Arsenal to fan up their interest in signing the 27 year old when he becomes fully available for a free transfer.