Arsenal are planning to prepare a raid on Germany players as they are targeting a double swoop for Sami Khedira and Lars Bender.
The Gunners completed the signing of Alexis Sanchez from Barcelona, who was their first signing of the summer transfer window. The North London club’s manager Arsene Wenger wants to add more players to strengthen his side to challenge for the title next season.
Khedira was sidelined for most part of the last season due to an injury and returned to action in the final stages of the campaign. He started during Real Madrid’s victory over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League final.
Despite his injury last season, the 27-year-old midfielder was fit enough to make it to the Germany squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Khedira’s starring performance in his side’s midfield has Joachim Low’s side make it to the finals of the tournament, after eliminating Brazil.
Khedira has one year left on his contract and has rejected a chance to sign a new deal. With his stellar performance in the World Cup, Rea could allow the German international leave the Spanish capital club for a fee around £20m.
Any hope for Arsenal in signing Khedira could see them face competition from Chelsea. The German star has played under the Blues manager Jose Mourinho, while the two were at Santiago Bernabéu.
The Portuguese tactician is keen on beating the Gunners in sealing a deal for Khedira. However, Wenger would be hopeful that German international Mesut Ozil and Per Mertesacker could convince their compatriot to join them at the Emirates.
Meanwhile, the French manager is also believed to be interested in securing a deal for the Bayer Leverkusen midfielder. Wenger has long been an admirer of Bender and even made an approach for him last summer – only to be rejected by the Bundesliga outfit.
Bender was included in Germany’s 30-man provisional squad for World Cup. However, a thigh injury ended his hope of making it to the summer tournament in Brazil. That has not stopped Wenger is making an approach for the holding midfielder. He is valued to around £19.3m.
Arsenal have the services of Mikel Arteta as their man in the defensive midfield position. The best option for the Gunners is not to sign both, but chose either Khedira or Bender.
Bender, 25, is two years younger than Khedira and is a proper holding midfielder, supporting his defenders. Meanwhile, the Real star sometimes prefers to go forward and make those runs when his team is attacking.
Also, some good news for the Gunners faithful as Newcastle United defender Mathieu Debuchy is all but set to complete his £10m move to the Emirates. He will be the replacement for Bacary Sagna, who joined Manchester City on a free transfer.
Wenger should also focus on signing a central defender, especially when Thomas Vermaelen’s future at the club looks uncertain. The Belgium international is target for incoming Manchester United manger Louis van Gaal and could make a switch to Old Trafford after the World Cup.
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