Juventus are reportedly in the running for the signature of Real Madrid midfielder Sami Khedira, whose contract is expiring. The German international has been frozen out in the Spanish capital, with the 28-year-old making just three starts this season, despite being an integral part of Germanya s World Cup winning squad. La Repubblica reports that the Bianconeri are ready to offer Khedira an escape route, with the player almost certain to leave when his contract expires this summer. The newspaper believes the Old Lady have made initial contact with Khedira, who currently earns around a 5m per season in Spain.
As time has gone on during Beppe Marotta’s tenure with Juventus, we’ve come to know that he has an affinity for acquiring good players on free transfers or next-to-nothing prices. We’ve seen it with Andrea Pirlo and Fernando Llorente, Paul Pogba and Andrea Barzagli. Could Real Madrid’s Sami Khedira be the next in line? According to reports from both La Repubblica and Sky Sport Italia’s Gianluca Di Marzio in Italy as well as Marca in Spain, Juventus are interested in signing the German midfielder who will be available on a free transfer this summer.
Khedira’s situation is a lot like Llorente’s when he was in his final season at Athletic Bilbao a couple of years ago. He has made all of five starts all season, and has been essentially frozen out by Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti (who, ironically, looks to also be on his way out this summer). Khedira has appeared in all of 13 games in all competitions, but hasn’t been seen on the field since Real Madrid’s 4-3 loss to Schalke in the Champions League round of 16.The German midfielder is all but set to choose Juventus, mainly due to their footballing pedigree. Even though he was tempted by a move back to Germany, he prefers signing for a club that competes year upon year in the Champions League and challenges for silverware. A series of injuries and some forgettable performances have restricted Khedira to just 628 minutes this season over 17 appearances; 11 in the league, three in the Copa del Rey, two in the Champions League and one at the Club World Cup.
Juventus have identified him as a good opportunity and they are gaining confidence they can close the deal: there is just a slight difference between the offer and the player’s request who is available on a free transfer. The conversations have been constant and they will continue on Tuesday or Wednesday, Juventus have been impressed with Khedira during their conversations and they want to close the deal to anticipate Schalke 04. Meanwhile, Juventus are concerned about the potential departures of Paul Pogba and veteran Andreas Pirlo, and see Khedira as the perfect stop-gap to that problem. Should the deal go through as reported, it would be the second reported signing for the Italian champions in a matter of weeks. Palermo striker Paulo Dybala looks set to join Juventus next season, a move that was confirmed by his former head coach last week.
Arsenal are interested in Arturo Vidal
According to Calcio Mercato Web, the Gunners have spoken to the Chilean’s agent Fernando Felicevich and come to an agreement with him during a recent visit to London. Vidal has been a target for Premier League clubs since last summer, with Manchester United close to landing him in the summer, but a deal failed to materialise due to Louis van Gaal’s concern regarding the Chilean’s knee injury that he sustained ahead of last summer’s World Cup. Arsenal were also linked with the Chilean last summer, but it was Liverpool who were leading the chase this time around as they look for a replacement for the departing Steven Gerrard. The north London club seems to have stolen a march on their rivals, to land the highly coveted midfielder. Arsenal already have Vidal’s compatriot and friend Alexis Sanchez at the Emirates Stadium and the two also share the same agent making it easier for the Gunners to approach the player regarding a move.The report claims that Arsene Wenger is looking for a box-to-box midfielder, who can chip in with goals and has identified the former Bayer Leverkusen star as the perfect player to complement the likes of Francis Coquelin, Aaron Ramsey and Santi Cazorla in the middle of the park.
The 27-year-old may not have been at his best this season, but he is still a top quality midfielder. He has scored eight times this campaign in all competitions, while assisting a further four times.The South American is a tough tackler as well, and would definitely add something more to the Arsenal midfield. He may not be the out-and-out defensive midfielder they have needed so badly for years, but he would certainly be a fantastic acquisition if this deal comes to fruition.