Arsenal Transfer News: Sami Khedira Blow, 'New Sergio Aguero' Paulo Dybala Eyed

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti believes Sami Khedira wishes to remain with the European champions, suggesting Arsene Wenger's reported hopes of signing the player are bleak.

The Gunners have been linked with a move for Khedira throughout the season. Wenger needs a defensive midfielder to add physicality into an otherwise lightweight midfield, but Ancelotti suggests Khedira is willing to commit to the Bernabeu club.

"There are hints indicating that he could leave, but I think that he wants to stay here," said the Italian, per Onda Cero's Al Primer Toque show (h/t Sky Italia's Gianluca Di Marzio).

Jose Ignacio Unanue/Associated Press

There's certainly suggestion a decent bid could land the player, but Khedira's personal choice will have a major say on where he ends up. This is particularly true when you consider reports that Madrid will offer Khedira a new contract. Should the player wish to stay and the Spanish side oblige, the result is obvious.

Wenger needs to be bold during the winter transfer window—far more so than just bringing in Kim Kallstrom on loan like he did last season—and must identify world-class targets to enhance Arsenal's chances of success.

John Cross of the Mirror believes Wenger is "solely to blame" for Arsenal's poor run, and indeed, their inability to compete for the Premier League title. He pinpoints the lack of a Khedira-type midfielder as the main problem for a side who recently threw away a 3-0 lead to draw with Anderlecht and lost to Swansea:

"How long is it now that Arsenal have needed a holding midfielder? Far too long. Almost since they last won a title. That’s the biggest deficiency in this team," said Cross. Football writer James McNicholas offered B/R UK's Ryan Bailey alternative targets to strengthen Arsenal's defensive efforts:

Wenger has relied on Alexis Sanchez for most of Arsenal's goals this season. The Chilean has directly contributed to 10 of the side's 19 in the Premier League, netting eight himself, per WhoScored.com. Danny Welbeck has netted one in seven matches across all competitions and Olivier Giroud hasn't featured since the end of August, meaning additional striking power may be necessary.

Palermo's Paulo Dybala is said to have caught Wenger's attention, reported by Alex Harris of the Daily Star, who suggests "a host of clubs" are tracking the Argentinian.

Dybala was outlined as the "new Sergio Aguero" by Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini in 2012 and has scored four goals in 11 appearances for the Serie A side this season. His qualities are highlighted below:

The 20-year-old has already racked up just 328 minutes less than he managed during the last campaign's entirety and is an increasing force for the Sicilian club. Dybala could offer Arsenal a decent option from the bench, but he is currently not of the quality needed to consistently influence importance matches for Wenger's side.

Supporters would be forgiven for feeling frustrated if the youngster was signed instead of a fully proven talent, especially when the likes of Joel Campbell cannot get a game at the Emirates. Wenger would be wise to bypass such temptations at this point and focus on bringing in stars who are ready to contribute on a weekly basis.

Failure to do so, like so many years before, is likely to see Arsenal fall short of expectations once more.