Arsenal Transfer News: Gunners Fighting Chelsea For Sami Khedira

Frank Augstein/AP/Press Association ImagesAfter the high-profile acquisition of Alexis Sanchez, Arsene Wenger has now turned his attention back to Spain and made Real Madrid's German international midfielder Sami Khedira his number one choice to boost his midfield options according to Metro. The player would likely cost the other side of £20m, with just a year left on his contract at Madrid, and though he wants an eye-watering £150,000 a week in wages, Arsenal have just proven with Sanchez's £130,000 a week contract that they are willing to pay top dollar to bring in their targets, in contrast to former years. Lars Bender is the alternative to Khedira, so it seems Wenger has his eyes firmly on firming up the defensive aspect of his midfield to provide the base for the likes of Sanchez, Mesut Ozil and Santi Cazorla to play forward from. If Wenger wants to bring Khedira to the Emirates, he will however have to battle the affections of Khedira's former Madrid boss Jose Mourinho, who is intent on swooping in at the last minute to pull the German across London, as he did with Willian last summer. Chelsea wouldn't struggle to pay Khedira his demanded wages, and he may see the opportunity to link up with Mourinho again as a bonus. Meanwhile, Arsenal will have to wait to put the last touches to Mathieu Debuchy's move to London from Newcastle, as Mike Ashley has insisted on bringing his replacement - widely expected to be Feyenoord's Daryl Janmaat - in before sanctioning the move. And even with the Frenchman coming in, Wenger has been linked with a loan move for Atletico Madrid right-back Javi Manquillo, 20, freeing up Carl Jenkinson to head out for a year loan to another Premier League team. What do you think of Arsenal's prospects to sign Sami Khedira? Share your thoughts below in the comments thread.