Arsenal and Chelsea have been dealt blows in their pursuit of Real Madrid defensive midfielder Sami Khedira. The German international, currently with his national side, has revealed in an interview with Deutschland’s leading sports magazine, Kicker, that he is very comfortable at the Santiago Bernabeu. This is despite him hardly playing a part in Carlo Ancelotti’s side this season.
When asked about the multiple rumours in the summer linking him with a move away from the Spanish capital, Khedira said, “I have found my second home in Madrid, feel very comfortable in the city and play in a great team. Many beautiful challenges are waiting for me at Real.”
Khedira missed the initial weeks of the season with a cruciate ligament tear, which also saw him miss Germany’s World Cup Final win over Argentina. After returning, he has failed to cement his place in the side ahead of Luka Modric and compatriot Toni Kroos.
Arsenal and Chelsea were said to be very interested in signing Khedira in the January transfer window. The Gunners desperately need a defensive midfielder with experience, and he fits the bill perfectly. The 27 year-old was seen as the perfect solution for the frailties displayed over the last couple of years by Arsene Wenger’s side, who have not had a real leader in midfield since the departure of Patrick Vieira.
Despite having several defensive midfielders at their disposal, Chelsea are also heavily linked with the former Stuttgart man. The Blues’ boss Jose Mourinho is a big fan of Khedira too. The Portuguese was the one who brought the German to Madrid following an impressive showing at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Under Mourinho, Khedira flourished in Spain, establishing himself in the side and making over 120 appearances in all competitions in three seasons.
At the start of the season, there were rumours that Khedira had openly expressed his displeasure at Ancelotti, and a move to the Premier League in January looked imminent. His expression of love for Madrid though, has slightly changed the picture. It will be interesting to see how events pan out, and whether the German will have the patience to stay on if he isn’t playing regularly by the turn of the year.
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