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Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has revealed that midfielder Sami Khedira could leave the club in January. The German international’s current contract expires in the summer and as there are no ongoing discussions regarding a contract extension, there is a high probability that he’ll leave in January for a cut-price fee rather than being released as a free agent in the summer of 2015.
Speaking to a Spanish radio station, Ancelotti said, “There are indications that Khedira is going to go, but he shows he likes Madrid and nothing is sure yet”. Arsenal were close to signing Khedira in the summer, but the deal fell through as they were not willing to pay his exorbitant weekly wages of £150,000-a-week.
Arsene Wenger will be keen to strengthen his side in the upcoming winter transfer window as they have missed the presence of a naturally defensive midfielder in the team. The likes of Mikel Arteta, Mathieu Flamini and Jack Wilshere haven’t impressed in that role which will force Wenger’s hand in January.
Is an Injury-prone defensive midfielder the answer to Arsenal’s problems?
While most of the fans will look at Khedira as an ideal signing for the Gunners, a few of them will definitely be alarmed by the injury history of the former Stuttgart man. The 27-year old has had an injury-ravaged four-year spell at the Bernabeu and rarely featured last season.
Arsenal already possess a lot of players who have a terrible injury record, hence the prospect of adding another player who is very susceptible to injuries might make the fans a little wary. The addition of Khedira will definitely add quality, and that is something that the North London side definitely need.
| Season | Injury | Games missed |
| 2009-10 | Fatigue fracture | 7 |
| 2010-11 | Muscle injury | 9 |
| 2011-2012 | Stretched Ligament | 8 |
| 2013-2014 | Cruciate Ligament Rupture | 39 |
| 2014-2015 | Hamstring tear | 8 |
*stats taken from Transfermarkt.com
