Sami Khedira Staying Put Leaves Arsenal in Transfer Quandary

The news that Sami Khedira intends to stay with Real Madrid suggests the Gunners may have to revise their January transfer plans.

While cover at centre-back is the Gunners’ most pressing requirement, a competent holding midfielder is not far behind. As much as Arsenal’s back four have struggled individually, their efforts have also been compromised by the lack of protection afforded to them.

Arsene Wenger doesn’t just need to improve his defence—he needs to shield it, too.

Khedira had been cited as a potential solution to Arsenal’s midfield problems. While he is not a naturally defensive player, he has a physicality and authority on the field that Arsenal’s present midfield options lack.

After suffering a succession of knee problems, a more contained holding role could suit him at this stage of his career. With Aaron Ramsey and Mathieu Flamini both struggling for form, Khedira was seen as someone who could potentially add power and stability to the Arsenal XI.

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However, the German international seemingly has little desire to pursue a move in January. Speaking to German publication Kicker, Khedira said (h/t Simon Jones of the Daily Mail):

"

Right now, I cannot see any reason why I would leave the club this winter. Real Madrid is a great club to be at. This club has a place in my heart and there is absolutely no reason for me to say that I want to or have to leave.

I get the feeling I am still wanted (by coach Carlo Ancelotti).

"

Although it’s inevitable that Khedira will talk up the importance of his relationship with Ancelotti and Madrid, there is nothing altruistic in his desire to remain in Spain until the summer.

If his mind is made up that he won’t renew his deal, he’ll be fully aware that the most lucrative option open to him is to leave on a Bosman at the end of his contract. Moving in January could cost him millions.

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If Arsenal want Khedira, they may have to bide their time until 2015/16. Wenger has previous when it comes to showing patience to get his man, famously waiting a full year to sign Marouane Chamakh for nothing after Bordeaux turned down his initial bid in 2009.

However, that does nothing to help Arsenal’s ailing 2014/15 campaign. If Wenger is determined to wait for Khedira, he must decide whether or not he can bring in someone else in January.

In terms of squad size, he can probably afford it. Of Arsenal’s current crop of holding midfielders, only one is likely to be with the club next season.

Club captain Mikel Arteta is poised to sign a new deal, according to Goal.com, while the trio of Mathieu Flamini, Abou Diaby and Francis Coquelin will all be out of contract this summer.

Given their respective problems with form and fitness, it is hard to see any of them staying. That means that even if Khedira were to join in July, there would still be plenty of space in the squad for another defensive-minded player.

If Khedira is unavailable in January, Arsenal must seek out an alternative. Their recent performances suggest they can't wait any longer before bolstering their midfield.

James McNicholas is Bleacher Report's lead Arsenal correspondent and will be following the club from a London base throughout the 2014/15 season. Follow him on Twitter here.