Arsenal Transfer News: Sami Khedira Talks Reported, Latest on William Carvalho

Arsenal are ready to open talks with Sami Khedira ahead of a potential free transfer from Real Madrid, according to reports.

James Dickenson of the Express suggests the Gunners "are hoping to secure the services of Khedira as a free agent." This would happen once his contract expires next summer, as it's suggested the German midfielder is "refusing" to extend his deal at the Bernabeu.

Aaron Flanagan of the Mirror pinpoints Fichajes.net as the source of the rumour, before suggesting, "Los Blancos are keen to move the German midfielder on" after contract negotiations were shunned. Khedira was linked with a move to Arsenal throughout the summer, per Sky Sports, and offers the perfect antidote to a Gunners midfield that currently lacks physicality.

Arsene Wenger is facing a squad crisis after Saturday's 1-1 draw with local rivals Tottenham. Both Mikel Arteta and Aaron Ramsey were substituted through injury against Spurs, while Mathieu Flamini's sloppiness in possession led to Nacer Chadli's opener. Jack Wilshere also picked up a knock in what turned out to be a costly game for the Emirates side.

Popular football writer SamuelJayC reported a long lay-off for Ramsey on his Twitter account, via The Telegraph:

Even before these injuries, one of Arsenal's greatest weaknesses was their lack of size through the centre. Abou Diaby, the club's only physically dominating midfielder, is unlikely to ever reach a state of fitness where he can regularly contribute. Khedira was in the shop window during the summer due to Toni Kroos' arrival at Real Madrid, but Wenger missed an excellent opportunity to sign the World Cup winner.

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The midfielder is excellent at breaking up play and starting attacking moves. He shifts the ball confidently and will contribute to attack phases of play without jeopardising the balance of the team. Wenger has tried to cram too many similar players into his midfield for too long, a tactic that has often seen Arsenal's strategy become predictable this season.

Nicholas Rigg of AS suggests the move makes sense, especially if Madrid president Florentino Perez is looking to make his annual gazump in the transfer market:

Another potential option remains in William Carvalho, who was also linked to Arsenal throughout pre-season. James McNicholas of ESPN FC outlined the Portuguese international as "the missing piece in the puzzle" back in August, but reports suggest the player is about to commit to Sporting Lisbon.

Alex Harris of the Express reports that Carvalho is set to ink a new deal, while 101 Great Goals follows the same line, via Portuguese outlet A Bola:

Harris' report indicates that Carvalho's £38 million buyout clause will still be in effect if he extends his deal. The powerful midfielder has been in poor form since the World Cup and is currently justifying the lack of concrete transfer activity around his name.

Despite this, he remains happy at the Estadio Jose Alvalade. "As things have not gone well me start this championship, people think it is because I'm upset, but they could not be more wrong," said Carvalho, per Harris.

Wenger had greater midfield options last January but opted to bring in Kim Kallstrom as emergency cover. He needs to tie up a defensive midfield destroyer, someone to chuck their weight around, with haste. Intimidation is missing in the centre right now, as Arsenal's midfield lacks the power once offered by the likes of Patrick Vieira and Gilberto Silva.

The manager is limiting his tactical options by failing to recruit such a player. A specialist in this role could have also eased the side's current defensive injuries by shielding the back four, while it he would also provide the likes of Wilshere with greater opportunities to burst forward.

Although Carvalho's price remains outrageous, Khedira is a no-brainer if he's available for nothing. Wenger's willingness to wait will have paid off if he arrives on a free transfer, although the manager is certainly playing things riskily if this proves to be intentional.