Sami Khedira
Sami Khedira won the World Cup with Germany. Getty

Arsenal are in danger of missing out on long-term target Sami Khedira after reports in Italy claimed Milan have also joined the race for his signature.

The North London club were heavily linked with the Real Madrid star throughout the summer transfer window alongside Chelsea and Manchester United, as Arsene Wenger entered the market for a long-term replacement for Mikel Arteta.

Reports in Spain even claimed that the Gunners reached a £20m deal with Real Madrid for his services, as Los Blancos wanted to part ways with him in order to avoiding losing him for free at the end of this season – when his contract is due to expire.

However, Arsenal reportedly failed to agree personal terms with Khedira himself after he demanded to become one of the highest-paid players at Wenger's squad.

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With the North London side hit once again by a number of injuries during the start of the season, including Arteta himself, recent reports claimed Wenger is set to renew his efforts for Khedira in January.

However, Italian newspaper Tutto Sport claims the Gunner will have to face fresh competition from Milan.

The Italian report says the Serie A giants want to take advantage of Khedira's contract situation to agree a cut-price deal with Real Madrid in January – or sign him for free at the end of the season.

Tutto Sport claims that even though Arsenal are also fighting for his services, Milan may have an advantage due to their good relationship with Real Madrid, after goalkeeper Diego Lopez made the move to the San Siro this summer.

In the meantime, Wenger recently claimed he wants Abou Diaby to adapt to the holding role in order to address Arteta's absence and the shortage of midfielders in his squad.

"I try to transform it [Diaby's position]. I tried to develop him in a deeper role, I think he can do it. He can be very interesting because he has all the attributes to do it. After, he must love it as well because he's more of an offensive-minded player," Wenger said.

The French boss has deployed Santi Cazorla in a deeper role, alonsgside Mathieu Flamini, during the last two games against Galatasaray and Chelsea.