Sami Khedira to Arsenal: Real Madrid signing of Toni Kroos 'paves the way' for German's exit

Arrival of Bayern Munich midfielder signal Khedira move to Arsenal - reports

Tom Sheen
Tuesday 15 July 2014 14:15 BST
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Sami Khedira
Sami Khedira

The impending arrival of Toni Kroos at Real Madrid will 'pave the way' for Sami Khedira to leave the club, according to reports in Spain.

Marca say that although Los Blancos are 'in no rush' to sell players this summer, Kroos' arrival from Bayern Munich appears to signal the end of Khedira’s time in the Spanish capital. However, his wage demands may prove an obstacle in a potential deal.

The paper does not mention Arsenal specifically, but Arsene Wenger has reportedly won the race ahead of London rivals Chelsea for the 27-year-old midfield star.

Kroos has verbally agreed a deal with Carlo Ancelotti's side and will complete his medical and officially sign for the club this week.

Arsenal are thought to be paying around €29m (£23.1m). The Gunners have held talks with Khedira, although his wage demands may prove to be a sticking point.

Khedira wants £150,000-per-week which would make him the highest paid player at the Emirates - German team-mate Mesut Ozil is currently paid £130,000-per-week and Arsenal operate under a strict wage structure.

The German has just a year left on his contract and is believed to have turned down a new offer.

Khedira spent much of last season injured, but is believed to be unhappy at his role when he does play - having mostly been used as a holding midfielder for Real Madrid, his more natural game is as a box-to-box dynamo.

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