Arsenal are in advanced talks to sign Sami Khedira from Real Madrid, Fresh Arsenal understands.
Khedira, 27 will take part in the World Cup final today alongside a trio of Arsenal players in Mesut Ozil, Per Mertesacker and Lukas Podolski. It is thought that all of those players have played some part in convincing Khedira to move to London, particularly Ozil.
Khedira and Ozil have been best friends since his days at Madrid, and a reunion in the capital is now looking likely, but only if an agreement can be reached on wages.
Khedira will return from the World Cup next week, where he will sort out his long term future. Toni Kroos is set to arrive at Madrid, pushing the experienced German down the pecking order.
Khedira has just one year remaining on his current contract, and reports in Spain suggested that this week he turned down an extension offer from the Champions League holders. It is thought that Arsenal and Madrid have already reached an agreement of £20million (€25million), but personal terms are yet to be finalised.
It seems Khedira’s agent is pushing for a contract in excess of £140,000 per-week, a figure that would make him the highest paid player at the club. Theo Walcott, Aaron Ramsey, Mesut Ozil and now Alexis Sanchez are thought to be earning £100,000 per-week or more currently at the Emirates. Khedira’s 50 caps for Germany and wealth of top-level experience surely make him worth being amongst the high earners.
If Arsenal could lower Khedira’s demands to around £120,000 per-week, then a deal could be completed as early as next week. Khedira certainly seems to be Arsenal’s transfer priority now that Sanchez is secured. The player is also thought to be keen on a move to the Emirates.