Chelsea are currently preparing a pre-contract deal for Sami Khedira, which would see the midfielder join them during the summer.
The German international is in the final 12 months of his existing agreement with Real Madrid, and it appears increasing unlikely that he sign fresh terms. It is understood the 27-year-old has already rejected several advances from the Bernabeu club, who are resigned to losing him and are seeking replacements.
Khedira, who has made two substitute appearances for Los Blancos this season, has been at Real since 2010, yet he has never played more than 28 league times during the course of any campaign due to injury problems. This may well be the root of his decision for a fresh start, which could well come in England.
Arsenal were keen to sign the midfielder ahead of the current season, but were believed to be put off by his weekly salary demands of £150,000 which would have come on top of a transfer fee of around £20million. Arsene Wenger, though, may be more inclined to offer such a wage if he can take the player on a free transfer next year.
But according to the London Evening Standard, the Gunners look set to miss out to their fierce capital rivals. It is being suggested that Chelsea are preparing a pre-contract for Khedira, which he could sign in January before heading to Stamford Bridge ahead of the 2015-16 campaign, when he would link up again with Mourinho.
The Portuguese coach was in charge of Real when they signed the then Stuttgart star, and together they enjoyed Copa del Rey success in their debut season and the league title the following year. It is believed they still enjoy a healthy relationship, and this could place the Blues in pole position for his signature in the coming months.
Meanwhile, one player who could be making a move in the opposite direction is Petr Cech. The Standard claim the Czech Republic international, who has lost his place in Chelsea’s goal to Thibaut Courtois, has been identified by Real to solve their current goalkeeper problem, and will make their approach in the New Year.
If Chelsea were to sign Khedira, how would they fit him into their starting XI? Let us know what you think by joining in the discussion below.
