Arsenal Transfer News: Latest on Sami Khedira, Adrien Rabiot and More

The likelihood of Sami Khedira joining Arsenal could depend on whether Real Madrid land Roma's Kevin Strootman, a transfer rumour that is gaining momentum across Europe.

Carlo Ancelotti is "keen" on rivalling Manchester United for Strootman's signature, according to Rhys Turrell of the Daily Star. Such a move would likely deem Khedira surplus to requirements, making him the most obvious candidate to be offloaded in Madrid's quest to balance the books.

Alex Richards of the Mirror believes Khedira "could be set to sign" for the Gunners in January, but doesn't acknowledge Strootman's potential impact on business. Richards suggests an £11 million fee would see Khedira head to the Emirates, although the potential cost remains unverified.

Khedira showed his worth during Germany's World Cup win, where he flaunted both attacking and defensive instincts in the middle of Joachim Low's midfield.

This was mightily impressive after he suffered an injury-ravaged season with Los Blancos.

The 27-year-old is currently recovering from surgery and will face a fight for fitness and form before any suitors snap him up. Khedira's well-rounded game would naturally slot into an Arsenal side that needs leaders in the centre.

Although he isn't an out-and-out defensive midfielder, Khedira could solidify a midfield that has proven fragile this season and needs bulking up.

Neither Mikel Arteta nor Mathieu Flamini intimidate. Arteta in particular has slowed in recent times and often unknowingly kills the pace of Arsenal's passing game.

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Arsene Wenger doesn't possess a midfielder which can dominate in the air, distribute effectively and bomb forward to support the attacking line. Khedira has proven himself capable across the breadth of the pitch, making him a perfect candidate.

Arsenal fans may not want to pin their hopes on Madrid signing Strootman, however. Sky Italia journalist Gianluca Di Marzio recently posted quotes from Roma president James Pallotta, who denied reports Strootman is set to make a January switch to United:

"

There has been non stop reporting in UK newspapers about KevinStrootman and Manchester United. Kevin Strootman is not for sale and has never ever been discussed in that vein at Roma. They are wasting paper. We consider Kevin an integral highly valued partner in our long term plans.

"

Wenger may instead step up his hunt of Paris Saint-Germain's Adrien Rabiot, a player the French champions are considering selling, according to talkSPORT.

Jonathan Johnson of ESPN FC provided further details but believes Rabiot is destined for Serie A:

Arsenal's squad is struggling to deal with the pressures of multiple competitions. A poor showing saw Wenger's fringe XI eliminated from the Capital One Cup on Tuesday night against Southampton, who dominated during their visit to London.

Just two of Arsenal's last eight matches in all competitions have ended in victory, highlighting the need to invest in smart signings when January arrives.

Ron Vlaar continues to be linked with a switch to last season's FA Cup winners, but James Dickenson of the Express reports he is ready to snub Arsenal, United and Southampton by signing a new Aston Villa contract.

Vlaar's excellent performances at the World Cup have seen a newfound appreciation develop for the defender whose leadership skills would be pivotal to Arsenal when Laurent Koscielny or Per Mertesacker miss out.

Value for money is difficult to ascertain in January, but Wenger may be forced into strengthening his side nonetheless.

Khedira's future remains uncertain, and he would be an excellent fit for the lightweight side who would have an decent chance of landing him if the manager acts decisively.

This is something Wenger rarely achieves during the winter window—look at Kim Kallstrom's arrival last year—but will once again go a long way to determining how Arsenal's season progresses.