Arsenal and Manchester United target does a U-turn, wants to stay at the club

In the last few months, Real Madrid midfielder Sami Khedira has been linked with a move away from the club with Arsenal being the prime candidates to sign the German. However, Khedira distanced himself away from a move by stating that he wants to stay at the club who are in his heart.

Khedira

He told Kicker magazine, “Right now, I cannot see any reason why I would leave the club this winter.

“Real Madrid is a great club to be at. This club has a place in my heart and there is absolutely no reason for me to say that I want to or have to leave.

“I get the feeling I am still wanted.”

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti wasn’t sure if the former Stuttgart man would stay or leave come next year and had said a few days ago, “There are indications that he might leave, but I think he wants to stay here.”

If he does go on to sign a new contract then it’ll be a huge blow for Arsenal and Manchester United, the two clubs who were being linked with him. Arsene Wenger wants to strengthen in the winter transfer window and had identified Khedira as a potential cut-price signing as his contract is set to expire in the summer. The gunners were close to signing him this July but were put off by his high weekly wages of £150,000. The North londoners don’t seem to possess a natural defensive midfielder at the club which has hurt them this season. Manchester United too have had defensive issues and were hoping to improve their midfield.

The 27-year old has had an injury-ravaged career at Real Madrid so far as he has been restricted to just 150 appearances in since joining in 2010. The Los Blancos have strengthened their midfield which could mean that Khedira will find it hard to make it onto the 1st team. If he signs a contract then it’ll be highly unlikely that Arsenal and United will go after him as they’ll have to pay a hefty fee.