While Arsene Wenger could not quite fashion a deal for a strong central midfielder during the summer transfer window, there could be a major name coming in when the window reopens in January.
It is quite clear that Wenger has left himself short of options in a couple of areas – in the defensive midfield department and the central defensive position.
Arsenal were rumoured to be interested in a number of players in that position with Sami Khedira being a name that cropped up time and again for that midfield role.
While Wenger shot that rumour down quickly, insisting he was not after a box-to-box midfielder, it is believed that Arsenal did show a serious interest in the German World Cup winner.
However, after Real Madrid decided to sell Xabi Alonso to Bayern Munich, Khedira remained at the Bernabeu, despite the 27-year-old heading into the final year of his contract.
It is understood, Real Madrid will look to sell Khedira during the January transfer window if they are unable to agree on a new contract with the Germany international, and that is where Arsenal could come in.
According to Caughtoffside, the Gunners have already agreed on a £11 million deal to bring in Khedira in January, with the midfielder set to earn £140,000 a week.
However, the Daily Express also claim that a move has not been agreed between Arsenal and Real Madrid, and while a chance still remains, it is far from a foregone conclusion.
While Khedira is not your typical defensive midfielder, it is a role that he can fill. From that aspect, he would be a great signing.
What is worrying, though, is the fact that Khedira is extremely injury prone – he is currently ruled out for a while with an injury – and the last thing that Arsenal need is another player who could break down at any time.
Much will also depend on just how Abou Diaby shapes up heading into the January transfer window, with the midfielder, set to make a start for Arsenal, after over a year, in the Capital One Cup match against Southampton.
If Diaby can stay fit – a seriously-clutching-at-straws-situation – then Wenger will probably look at a more defensive-minded midfielder in the mould of William Carvalho, rather than Khedira.
Diaby is not your typical defensive midfielder, either, and even if he does give a physical presence to the middle of the park, he is at his best when looking forward.
So, plenty of chinks to iron out for Wenger, and it remains to be seen just what business, if any, he does in the January transfer window.
