Arsenal Transfer News: Sami Khedira Reportedly Agrees Terms, Desperate for Move

Real Madrid midfielder Sami Khedira is reportedly desperate to complete a January move to Arsenal after agreeing to personal terms with the Gunners, despite interest from former manager Jose Mourinho and Chelsea.

The Daily Star's Nick Lustig claims Los Blancos president Florentino Perez is open to dealing in January, with the German's contract expiring at the end of this season. And while there will undoubtedly be interest in his services from other suitors, Khedira allegedly has his mind set on a move to the Emirates:

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The Germany World Cup winner, according to reports, has agreed personal terms with the Gunners over a move to the Emirates Stadium.

But Arsenal are yet to agree a fee with Madrid for the 27-year-old midfielder.

Khedira has entered the final year of his contract at the Bernabeu and would be able to leave the Spanish giants on a free transfer next summer.

Madrid president Florentino Perez is keen to avoid losing Khedira for absolutely nothing in nine months time and is prepared to do business in the new year.

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AS' Manuel "Manolete" Esteban adds Manchester United to the list of interested teams, and like Chelsea, the Mancunians have shown a willingness to splash the cash in recent years.

But none of that matters if Khedira has already decided on Arsenal, as is now being widely reported. The 27-year-old will be free to sign a precontract with any club once the January transfer window opens, and as of right now, it seems highly unlikely the midfielder will stay in Madrid.

Marca (h/t Jan Aage Fjortoft) reported on Wednesday Los Blancos were still willing to sign the World Cup hero to a new deal, but with his popularity in the Spanish capital at an all-time low, it's almost a foregone conclusion Khedira will walk.

The emergence of Asier Illarramendi and additions of James Rodriguez and Toni Kroos have seen him make just two substitute appearances all season, per WhoScored.com, and with Isco and Luka Modric also vying for minutes, the former Stuttgart man has no guarantees he will be a starter.

That's exactly what he would be for Arsenal, however. The Gunners are desperate for some defensive cover, as the duo of Mathieu Flamini and Mikel Arteta have struggled in the role of holding midfielder.

Khedira isn't your typical midfield bully, instead relying on his excellent vision and tactical awareness to stop attacks before they have a chance to develop. He's most effective in a box-to-box role, but he can also play a little deeper and serve as both a defensive presence and a playmaker.

He proved his status as a world-class player for Real, putting in several excellent performances when healthy. But injuries have been a major problem for the German in recent years. As reported by Transfermarkt, he's missed a total of 55 matches since the start of the 2013-14 season.

The low cost of a potential January transfer makes him well worth the risk, however. With Los Blancos set to lose out on his services for nothing when his contract expires, there's little doubt both clubs should be able to come to an agreement when the market reopens.

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