Mourinho 'Phones' Khedira to Hijack Arsenal Transfer

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has personally phoned his former Real Madrid player Sami Khedira to convince him to snub Arsenal and move to Stamford Bridge, reports in Spain claim.

The German international has decided to leave the Santiago Bernabeu this summer even though he has been a crucial player for both manager Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti he has struggled to connect with Real Madrid supporters and the Spanish press.

Earlier this year he even expressed his disappointment about how Spanish reporters treated him because of his close relationship with Mourinho.

"I feel insulted by the Spanish press, I will never be one of their favourite sons. I began the season on the bench and once again I've been made a scapegoat. They don't value me, even when I play well. I'm not Spanish, I didn't cost a lot and I'm a disciple of Mourinho," Khedira complained bitterly.

Khedira indeed rejected a contract renewal to commit his future to the Spanish giants last October and, with his contract set to expire next summer, Real Madrid are now also likely to part company with him – to avoid losing him for free in 2015.

Manchester United and Chelsea have been linked with him in recent months but Spanish newspaper Marca reported that Arsenal were set to win the race for his services.

The reports said Arsenal had already reached a £20m deal with Real Madrid for his services – while the Gunners were yet to convince the player himself.

Nevertheless, Marca claimed the negotiations had been been difficult as Khedira demanded to become one of the highest paid players at the Emirates Stadium while Arsenal refused.

And now Spanish newspaper Abc claims that a last-minute personal phone call from Mourinho to Khedira has further complicated the negotiations.

Mourinho signed Khedira during his managerial spell at Real Madrid with the midfielder becoming a key player in his midfield.

The Portuguese boss was interested in signing Toni Kroos but with the Bayern Munich star set to move to Real Madrid it looks like he is now keen on bringing his former player to partner Cesc Fabregas and Nemanja Matic at Stamford Bridge.