Arsenal Transfer News: Sami Khedira Door Opened by Christoph Kramer Rumours

Arsenal's bid to land a transfer for Real Madrid's Sami Khedira received a massive boost on Monday with the news that Los Blancos have reportedly identified a replacement for the Germany international.

According to Marca's Jose Felix Diaz, compatriot Christoph Kramer has caught the attention of scouts and management, and Real have reportedly already met with the midfielder's agent:

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Germany's Christoph Kramer is one of the names under consideration at Real Madrid to take the place of Khedira. The World Cup-winning defensive midfielder is of interest to the club board as is shown by two meetings they have had with Gerd vom Bruch, Kramer's agent.

Kramer is under contract to Bayer Leverkusen until 30th June 2017 but for the past three seasons, including the current one, he has been sent out on loan - something which he does not understand. This apparent lack of confidence in him could lead to the player looking for a way out.

At the Bernabeu, they like the look of the German and are considering him as an alternative to Khedira. For the present, they are just looking at the situation as they did with Kroos - watching the player and finding out what his real intentions are.

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Kramer has quickly become one of the hottest names on the European transfer market after a series of excellent showings in the Bundesliga. The 23-year-old combines exceptional size with remarkable vision and technical ability, and he's been pivotal in Borussia Monchengladbach's strong early-season form.

Real's reported interest in Kramer would open the door for a transfer of Khedira, whose contract is set to expire at the end of this season.

Sascha Steinbach/Getty Images

Much ink has already flown regarding the midfielder's future, but Jamie Anderson of the Daily Express believes a transfer is now all but certain, with Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United interested in his services.

The 27-year-old has appeared in only four matches for the Champions League holders all year, per WhoScored.com, and his spot in the centre of the pitch has already been filled by the likes of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric.

Manager Carlo Ancelotti remains adamant the player has a future in the Spanish capital, but it will depend on whether he signs a new deal, as he told the London Evening Standard's Simon Johnson.

"We have until June to reach an agreement with him," he said. "If he wants to sign an extension, the club will renew him. If not, he will leave the team at the end of the season."

In the prime of his career and having just won a World Cup, Khedira likely will not settle for a reduced role with Real, opening the door for a summer move. As a free agent, the 27-year-old can sign wherever he wants, and wages will likely be a big factor.

The Gunners aren't in the habit of handing out massive contracts to free agents, but the team's clear need for a holding midfielder could see Arsene Wenger make an exception.

Khedira isn't a bruiser, however. The German uses his vision and positioning to stop attacking players, and he won't add much physicality to an Arsenal defence that has sorely lacked just that.

His injury history is also a big concern. As reported by Transfermarkt.com, he hasn't been injury-free since the 2008-09 season and has missed a total of 48 matches in the last year alone.

Khedira's passing skills and ability to contribute in the attacking third make him an excellent fit for Wenger's attack-based philosophy, and there's no denying he'd instantly push the Gunners midfield to the next level.

Price will be the biggest question. While Chelsea have no clear need for a holding midfielder, Manchester United do, and the Red Devils have been handing out massive contracts to new arrivals like candy in recent years.

Overspending on Khedira may not be the right move for Wenger given the German's injury risk, but if he finds a way to stay healthy, he'd transform Arsenal's midfield unit into one of the best in the Premier League. Such a prospect may just be worth the risk.

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