Arsenal Transfer News: Major Sami Khedira Twist, Petr Cech Deal Under Threat

Arsenal may still be in with a shout of signing long-term defensive midfield target Sami Khedira from Real Madrid after reports linking him with a move to Bayern Munich were denied by the Bundesliga club.

According to reports in Spain earlier this week, the German international's move to the Allianz Arena was all but confirmed with Khedira supposedly signing a pre-contract with Bayern, per Cadena SER (h/t James Orr in The Independent).

However, Bayern's sporting director Markus Horwick has now flatly denied the club has struck a deal with Khedira, whose Real contract expires in the summer, per AS: "These rumours are zero percent real."

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The Gunners have been linked with Khedira since the summer, per Sky Sports, and a January move for the 27-year-old seemed increasingly likely with Arsenal lacking steel in midfield.

Not since Patrick Vieira have Arsenal had a genuine central midfield marshal and they could suffer again in the absence of such a player when they face Manchester United this weekend, a match previewed here by B/R UK's Sam Tighe:

However, while Arsenal have seemingly not been pipped to the post in the race for Khedira's signature by Bayern, a new-year transfer seems highly unlikely considering Real's renewed need for the German with Luka Modric set to be out for some time through injury.

Modric's absence may prove problematic for Arsenal in the long term, as Khedira's likely increased playing time may lead to him finally signing a new contract at the Bernabeu, ruling out even a potential summer move to the Emirates, per Spanish radio station RNE (h/t Press Association Sport and h/t ESPN FC).

Indeed, Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has recently claimed Khedira wants to stay at the club, per their Twitter feed: 

The Gunners may also be scuppered in their attempt to sign Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech in January, with AC Milan emerging as potential rivals for the transfer of the Czech Republic international.

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According to Adrian Kajumba of the Daily Star, the San Siro outfit are looking to sign the 32-year-old shot-stopper for £7 million when the transfer window re-opens.

Cech has fallen behind Thibaut Courtois in the pecking order at Stamford Bridge and has made just one Premier League appearance so far this season, which was as a substitute.

It is likely that he will look for a way out of Chelsea in January and Arsenal could really do with his experience at the back, as Wojciech Szczesny has spent too long without competition for the No. 1 shirt at the Emirates.

With the Khedira deal looking unlikely, Arsenal would do well to continue to pursue Cech. Their defensive experience is lacking, as they have shown in recent times when throwing away leads against Anderlecht and Swansea. 

Cech's presence and organisational skills, as well as his immense ability as a keeper, could be a real asset to Arsenal and at £7 million, he seems very good value.