After Sami Khedira won the World Cup with Germany, it seemed that the midfielder would go back to Real Madrid and finally hold down his spot as one of the planet’s best midfielders.
However the arrivals of James Rodriguez and international teammate Toni Kroos meant less game-time for Khedira, and then the 27-year-old was hit with an injury which has kept him sidelined for the last few weeks.
With his contract set to expire next summer, Arsenal – with their German contingent – are one of the favourites to sign the former Bayer Leverkusen man to finally become the world class box to box midfielder the Gunners have lacked the past few seasons.
But there are a few issues manager Arsene Wenger needs to fix for a Premier League title challenge to be possible.
Here are FIVE PLAYERS that could follow Sami Khedira to Arsenal.
[ffc-gallery]CLICK ON SAMI KHEDIRA TO SEE THE FULL LIST!
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Pedro Rodriguez
Arsenal have an abundance of attacking midfielders in their squad, so Pedro Rodriguez’s name would be a surprise to come in the January transfer window. But like Sanchez before him, Pedro is a player with proven quality that will add to the Gunners’ front line.
Not to mention, several players fighting for an attacking midfield berth are set to be offloaded by Arsene Wenger, which includes Santi Cazorla, Lukas Podolski, and Tomas Rosicky. Pedro would be a definite improvement to the three after losing out to Barca’s own attacking trident of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Neymar.
Pedro is quick, skilful, and despite being only 27-year-old, already has experience playing at the highest level of football.
Ignazio Abate
Ignazio Abate has had a roller coaster of a career in football, starting out as a right winger but his limitations forced AC Milan to loan him out to various clubs throughout his career before he was turned into a marauding righ-back by then Brazilian coach Leonardo.
Now the Italian international is a solid right-sided defender that combines speed and defensive discipline, and would be an adequate if not better alternative to the now injured Mathieu Debuchy.
With Milan still struggling financially, the 27-year-old could be lured to the Emirates with a £14million bid and a more lucrative contract.
Virgil van Dijk
The Gunners have been struggling to find cover at the back this season, and have already been tracking Celtic defender Virgil van Dijk to come in during the winter transfer window.
The Dutch centre-back has been in top form for the Scottish club this season, which has attracted interest from Europe’s top sides, but with Arsene Wenger desperate to ease his defensive issues soon rather than later, the 23-year-old is seen as a top transfer priority.
Strong in the air and composed on the ground, Van Dijk is also a set piece threat in the box in which he scored five goals last season.
Adrien Rabiot
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If Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger sticks to his transfer policy, then it is likely Adrien Rabiot is set to join possibly in January.
The PSG starlet is a typical Arsene Wenger signing: young, French, and possessing massive potential. Wenger will be looking to transform the youngster into a world beater like he did in the past and with the likes of Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez around him, Rabiot can only grow to be a better player.
The 19-year-old is however coveted by many of Europe’s biggest clubs, so although young, could cost Arsenal even more than bringing in Khedira and we know how stubborn Wenger can be with overspending.
Iker Casillas
It may be unlikely, but the media storm surrounding Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas could force the Spain captain to finally leave the Santiago Bernabeu.
Casillas has had a tough few months ever since his disappointing displays at the World Cup, and his bad form continued with many calling for David de Gea to replace the legendary shot-stopper in the La Furia Roja goal.
And now with Carlo Ancelotti interested in bringing Chelsea’s Petr Cech to Madrid, Casillas could find himself once again playing second-fiddle and if so Arsenal could be a great place to revive his status by following Mesut Ozil and potentially Sami Khedira (as titled) to the Emirates.
