Arsenal Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Sami Khedira, Theo Walcott and More

Long-term Arsenal target Sami Khedira has spoken of his intentions to leave Real Madrid in the summer as Arsene Wenger monitors the player's current situation in Spain.

The German international has won a multitude of trophies since his arrival at the Bernabeu in 2010 but has said it is time to "grow" at another football club.

The Telegraph quoted the 27-year-old speaking to Kicker about his immediate plans, as it appears the midfielder is now prepared to leave the defending Champions League winners:

"

It’s not a decision against Real Madrid, I want to start a new stage in my career and continue to grow. There’s no agreement with anyone nor do I have a preference to go anywhere at the moment. I’ve had a magnificent time in a magnificent team. I’ll do everything I can to keep helping the team in the coming weeks.

"

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Khedira arrived in the Spanish capital with a burgeoning reputation, but the midfielder spent much of last year on the touchline as he recovered from injury.

Despite impressing in his country's successful World Cup campaign in Brazil, the player has failed to reclaim his first-team berth with Los Blancos, appearing just 17 times this season, per The Telegraph. 

Wenger is known to be a longtime admirer of the player, and Khedira's style of play would suit the Gunners while also giving them the defensive brain they lack at times. 

However, Arsenal will face competition to sign Khedira as clubs from the Bundesliga queue up to tempt the player.

Stephan Uersfeld of ESPN FC quotes Schalke boss Roberto De Matteo singing the praises of the midfielder to Der Westen: "Name a coach who does not want Khedira. He is world-class. If he wants to join us, the door is open. We know that he is spoilt for choice and he can pick his club. It probably will get very difficult for us [to sign him]."

Walcott Heading Towards Manchester United?

Kirsty Wigglesworth/Associated Press

But one midfield arrival for the Gunners could see a departure considering rumours that Manchester United want Theo Walcott for the 2015-16 campaign. 

Jamie Sanderson of the Metro says Louis van Gaal is plotting to grab the out-of-favour attacker as he continually sits on the Arsenal bench. Sanderson reports that Walcott desires to extend his contract at the Emirates but might find the temptation to feature in United's first team hugely appealing. 

And with no contract renewal currently on the table for the England man, the chance for United to strike will come very soon. 

Losing Walcott to a direct rival will once again be a crushing blow after the exit of Robin van Persie to Old Trafford.

Walcott is now one of the manager's most senior talents in his squad, and it is vital Wenger maintains continuity as he purchases new talent.

Jon Super/Associated Press

But James Robson of The Manchester Evening News writes Wenger wants United centre-back Chris Smalling. This could facilitate a swap deal benefiting both parties as they look to capture positional targets. 

Walcott has spent huge periods out injured, and it is questionable whether he has earned a new deal, with others leapfrogging him in the Arsenal pecking order. 

Smalling has played well in United's defence this season, despite being derided in all corners for his lack of craft, and would bring strong EPL experience with him to Wenger's selection. 

Van Gaal's preference for 4-3-3 would benefit Walcott's personal style, with the Dutchman desperate to acquire wide players with pace and the ability to score goals at the highest level.