Arsenal Agree Deal for Khedira But Stall on Personal Terms

Arsenal have already reached an agreement with Real Madrid over the signing of World Cup star Sami Khedira but the Gunners are yet to convince the player himself.

Real Madrid signed the German international for just £12 million in the summer of 2010 and even though he became a favourite of Jose Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti he never managed to connect with Spanish supporters.

Furthermore, the Los Blancos board believe that last season Ancelotti coped with Khedira's long-term injury absence without any problems and with his contract set to expire next summer – and him rejecting a renewal in October- the Spanish giants put him on the market as it was their last chance to recoup a profit on him.

Chelsea and Manchester United were said to be interested in his services but, according to Marca, Arsenal are set to win the race to sign him after agreeing a £20m deal with Real Madrid for his services.

Nevertheless, the Gunners now have to agree personal terms with the player himself, who is expecting to become one of the highest paid players at the Emirates Stadium.

According to Marca, the 27-year-old wants to take advantage of the fact that he is entering the last season of his current contract – and Arsenal will secure a cut-price deal for his services - to earn £5.5m a year after taxes.

The problem is that Arsenal are not likely to offer Khedira the same terms as Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez, who are currently the highest paid players in the squad.

The club is however hoping the player will finally reduce his demands to seal the deal. Recent reports claimed Ozil took advantage of his close relationship with the Real Madrid star to persuade him to move to north London during their World Cup campaign.