Arsenal Transfer News: Sami Khedira Confirms Uncertain Real Madrid Future

Longtime Arsenal target Sami Khedira told reporters he is "intrigued" about his future on Thursday, as the uncertainty regarding the Real Madrid midfielder's contract situation continues to persist.

The Germany international will be a free agent in June if he doesn't sign a new deal. While he maintains he's happy in the Spanish capital, he can't say with certainty that he'll stay, as reported by Marca:

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Everyone knows my contract is up in June. I have a smooth relationship with the club. I'm very happy in Madrid and I'm not reluctant to stay. I haven't had any contact with other clubs. I'm intrigued about my future myself.

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Arsenal and Chelsea are rumoured to be very interested in the midfielder's services, and according to the London Evening Standard's Simon Johnson, Los Blancos are resigned to the fact the 27-year-old will be leaving in the near future.

Manager Carlo Ancelotti remains adamant there is a spot for the German in his squad, but AS' Nicholas Rigg doesn't believe Khedira will sign a new deal at Real:

The arrival of Toni Kroos during the summer saw Khedira's playing time drop significantly, and according to WhoScored.com, he's yet to start a single match in La Liga or the UEFA Champions League in the 2014-15 campaign.

For someone who was one of the driving forces behind Germany's run through the 2014 World Cup, a regular spot on Real's bench can't be satisfying.

An injury to Luka Modric gave Khedira another chance to prove he belongs in Ancelotti's side, and he was given the start during Tuesday's Copa del Rey fixture against Cornella. Unfortunately, his night was cut short after he suffered a head injury, as shared by AS English:

Injuries have plagued Khedira throughout his career, and the problems have only intensified in the past two seasons. According to Transfermarkt.com, he has missed a total of 49 matches since the start of the 2013-14 season.

When healthy, he is one of the most uniquely gifted central midfielders in the world. Blessed with great size, passing range and technique, he's equally adept playing as a holding midfielder or in a more advanced role as a playmaker.

He doesn't use his physical tools or brute force to shield a back four—instead, he relies on his vision and instincts to obstruct passing lanes and set up the counter.

Arsenal's midfield has been rocked with injuries in past weeks, with Mikel Arteta and Jack Wilshere both sidelined for the foreseeable future. The Metro wonders whether it will lead to investments in the January window:

Writing for uMAXit, James McNicholas elaborated on the absence of the duo, and why the Gunners desperately need a holding midfielder:

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[...]The midfield, however, is ridden with problems. Jack Wilshere has undergone surgery to repair an ankle ligament, while Mikel Arteta is expected to be sidelined for a considerable spell with what Wenger called a “serious” calf problem. With Francis Coquelin out on loan and Abou Diaby perennially struggling, Mathieu Flamini is the squad’s only fit defensive midfielder.

It’s a position that has needed strengthening for some time. Although Arteta is the best holding midfielder Arsenal currently have, he is by no means the best they could have.

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He also noticed Gunners manager Arsene Wenger remains unpopular with the fans right now, as he told Bleacher Report UK's Ryan Bailey:

Bringing in a big fish like Khedira could help the French manager regain the trust of the fans, strengthening a position that is in dire need of an influx of talent in the process.

Arsenal will be allowed to talk to Khedira regarding a possible pre-contract as soon as the January transfer window opens, and as long as the German remains unsure about his future, the Gunners will have the ability to convince him he'd be happier at the Emirates Stadium.

The promise of regular first-team action could be too much for Khedira to pass up, particularly if he continues to be passed over by Ancelotti for other options in La Liga and Champions League action in the coming weeks.

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