Arsenal Transfer News: Sami Khedira Rocks Gunners, Latest on Mattia Destro

Sami Khedira has quashed suggestions he is looking to exit Real Madrid, saying he has "never even considered leaving" the Bernabeu.

Such news will sink the hearts of many Arsenal fans. The Gunners are allegedly among the front-runners for Khedira's signature, with previous reports even suggesting terms had been agreed between the two parties.

Injury problems have stopped Khedira from starting in La Liga this season, but the German appears content with his current situation, as reported by German outlet Kicker (h/t Stefan Coerts of Goal.com): "There have not been talks with any other teams. I have never even considered leaving. And that has not changed as of yet. Real Madrid are a great team. There is not really a reason for me to say that I want to leave or have to leave."

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Optimists will hang on Khedira's hint that things could change if he doesn't receive a regular place in Carlo Ancelotti's side.

Competition for places is fierce—you only have to look at the ensuing battle between Gareth Bale, Isco and James Rodriguez to see that—meaning Khedira could receive greater responsibility elsewhere.

Arsene Wenger is said to be looking for an additional striker alongside his quest for a defensive midfielder, despite signing Danny Welbeck in the summer. The Englishman has netted just once in his last seven matches, and he needs greater competition to improve his game. With this in mind, the manager's attention is reportedly focused on Serie A.

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Roma's Mattia Destro is highlighted as an Arsenal target by Italian website Tuttomercatoweb (h/t Alex Harris of the Daily Star).

The Italian striker recently admitted he will evaluate his future "at the end of the season," saying, "I think with my head, I make decisions with my head. So we'll see."

Destro has scored five times in 10 appearances this campaign and could slot in anywhere across Wenger's forward line.

His attributes are outlined below:

Palermo's Paulo Dybala appears to be another option, as reported by Spanish publication Fichajes (h/t Metro): "They have to pay €40 million (£31 million) to take Dybala away in January," said club president Maurizio Zamparini, per the Metro's translation.

Such a commitment to potential is perhaps too hefty for Wenger, who is said to have a winter kitty of £20 million, as reported by Jeremy Wilson of the Daily Telegraph.

The Arsenal boss could raise extra funds by cashing in on unneeded players. Lukas Podolski recently outlined his desire to move and is a reported target for Fiorentina and Inter Milan, per Tom Collomosse of the London Evening Standard. Podolski wouldn't raise huge amounts, but getting his wages off the bill may help facilitate a move for new talent.

Joel Campbell, who is yet to receive a consistent run in the Arsenal team, is also said to be wanted by Inter. The San Siro club have "sounded out" Campbell's availability for a loan deal, as reported by John Cross of the Daily Mirror, who also believes the Costa Rican wishes to leave.

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Such a move would be extremely disappointing for many Arsenal fans who wanted to see Campbell given a chance after his tremendous performances at the 2014 World Cup.

Wenger's squad certainly needs reinforcements if they are to battle for silverware this season. It may be wise for the manager to bring in experienced and physical players to up the power of his team, but if reports are to be acted on, it seems Wenger will once again prioritise the acquisition of developing stars.

Stats via WhoScored.com, unless otherwise noted.