Sami Khedira to Arsenal looks like being one of those will-he, won't-he transfer sagas that we see at every transfer window, with the move at one point looking like a certain deal, before suddenly running into a dead-end.
According to varying reports over the past few weeks Arsenal have either agreed a fee with Real Madrid or personal terms, with one or the other scuppering a possible move to the Emirates.
The general consensus seems to be that Arsene Wenger is reluctant to give his nod to the salary demands of Khedira, who only has one year remaining on his current deal with Real Madrid, with the latest reports also suggesting he just might sign a new contract and stay at the Bernabeu.
However, until one or the other happens, this story seems like it will run, with Khedira's German compatriot Lukas Podolski only adding fuel to the fire by giving his opinion on a possible move to Arsenal from Real Madrid.
Podolski believes Khedira, who has also been linked with a move to Chelsea, with Jose Mourinho reportedly showing an interest in signing his former player, will feel right at home at Arsenal considering the heavy German contingent at the club which includes good friend Mesut Ozil, Per Mertesacker and the forward himself, not to mention youngster Serge Gnabry.
"I didn't have to [try to convince Khedira to join Arsenal]," he told Sport Bild.
"Sami knows how much fun he could have with me, Mesut and Per at Arsenal.
"We had a great time together at the World Cup and I would like it very much if he comes to London."
Arsenal already have three World Cup winners in their ranks, and adding another would certainly be the icing on the cake, but a deal, at the moment, does look unlikely.
Wenger has, therefore, turned his attentions towards other midfield targets with Morgan Schneiderlin of Southampton, Lars Bender of Bayer Leverkusen and Sporting Lisbon's William Carvalho all being monitored.
The Gunners have reportedly seen a £24 million bid for Carvalho turned down by Sporting, but it is believed the Portuguese club will settle for an amount below the £37 million release clause, but not before they can wring out as much out of the interested clubs as they can.
