Arsenal Transfer News: Sami Khedira Deal Off, James McCarthy New Target

Many Arsenal fans will be pleased to hear that strengthening the defensive midfield area now looks a priority for Arsene Wenger this winter, with Everton's James McCarthy topping the manager's wish list.

The Gunners were being linked with Real Madrid's Sami Khedira, but John Cross of the Daily Mirror reports that the German is no longer a viable target and that McCarthy has taken his place in the queue:

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The Gunners looked at Real Madrid’s Sami Khedira but the German World Cup winner priced himself out of a move with his sky-high wage demands, and they now are likely to look at a more defensive player.

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Everton’s James McCarthy is another potential midfield target. Arsenal have been long-term admirers of the 24-year-old, since before he left Wigan for Goodison Park in summer 2013.

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Wenger has been more willing in recent times to shell out large sums for the likes of Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil. Arsenal have been frustrated in past pursuits, but it seems the need for reinforcements in defence will now force the club into spending similar money on the anchor role.

At his peak, McCarthy has stood out as one of Everton's key players since making the move to Goodison Park, but ESPN FC's Ben Dinnery quotes Roberto Martinez admitting the Irishman has endured injury troubles:

For some time now, Arsenal have made do in central midfield with the assets at their disposal. Mathieu Flamini and Mikel Arteta are the more natural holding players, but neither has great prospects in the long term.

Some would see Aaron Ramsey or Jack Wilshere drop deeper, but both are more reliable as playmakers and have no roots in a defensive midfield role.

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It seems obvious that a specialist in that position is needed in north London, but Wenger has so far failed to invest in a player who could solve the plight.

Former Southampton star Matt Le Tissier envisages that Gunners fans will go frustrated in that regard once again this winter. He told Charles Perrin of the Daily Express:

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I imagine he will be stubborn again! He doesn't like being told what he needs. The more people tell him what he needs, the more stubborn he gets and he feels inclined to do things his own way. But that is his prerogative. He is the manager and until that changes one way or another, he will stay just the same.

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Wenger will want to ensure whoever he signs to shore up his midfield is a reliable acquisition, especially midway through the campaign.

Last season, the club was left embarrassed after opting to sign Kim Kallstrom on loan from Spartak Moscow, only for the already injured midfielder not to make his debut until March.

One might be tempted to blame Wenger for this season's shortcomings, but Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wilson says it's the players who are to be held accountable for recent disappointments:

Khedira may well be eyed as an ideal signing at the Emirates Stadium. With his contract expiring next summer, Madrid may be more willing to cash in for a January fee, but his refusal to drop salary demands appears to be blocking an Arsenal move.

It may be a blessing in disguise, however, as the German international is now back on the sideline. ESPN FC's Dermot Corrigan quotes Carlo Ancelotti confirming it's his hip that's giving him grief, having only recently recovered from a serious knee injury:

Martinez became used to warding off interest in his top talents while manager at the DW Stadium, and after making the move to stringent Everton, that stance will be required all the more in the future.

Arsenal will present a difficult opportunity to turn down for McCarthy should they come knocking, but with the Toffees now aiming at similar targets, Everton's aspiring general may be inclined to remain in his current setting.