Sami Khedira confirms Real Madrid exit as a free agent amid Arsenal link

Real Madrid star Sami Khedira has confirmed he will leave the Santiago Bernabeu once his contract expires at the end of the season amid reports claiming a number of Premier League clubs, including Arsenal, have already contacted his agent regarding a summer move as a free agent.

The German international was heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium during the summer as Real Madrid looked to cash in to avoid to losing him for free the following summer.

But after former Liverpool holder Xabi Alonso joined Bayern Munich, the Champions League winners finally opted to keep him in Carlo Ancelotti's ranks to back-up Toni Kroos, Asier Illarramendi and Luka Modric.

Khedira, however, has only started three La Liga games this season and after Los Blancos bolstered the midfielder further with Brazil star Lucas Silva during the January transfer window it was all but clear that the German will leave the club as a free-agent this summer.

Now the player himself has confirmed the rumours during an interview with German magazine Kicker but refusing to confirm his next destination.

"It's not a decision against Real Madrid. I want to find new challenges for my career and continue to grow as a player," the 27-year-old midfielder said.

"For me, [my time at Real Madrid], it was a magnificent moment in my life in a magnificent team. I will do everything I can to continue helping the team during the forthcoming weeks," he added.

Recent reports claimed he may have already agreed terms to join either Bayern Munich or Schalke 04 but the player denied it: "I don't have an agreement with any club nor any preferences as to who I would like to join."

In this sense, Spanish newspaper Marca claims that even though Schalke are the club that have shown the most interest in the German midfielder, several Premier League clubs, including Arsenal, and some Serie A sides have also been in touch with his agent to secure his services this summer.

Arsene Wenger has been on the market for a defensive midfielder since last summer and even though Francis Coquelin is excelling in the role, since his return from Charlton, the French boss may consider to bolster the position further with an experience free-agent, especially considering that Mikel Arteta is also out of contract in the summer and his future at North London remains uncertain.

Meanwhile, Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is also reportedly monitoring the situation of the World Cup winner to back-up Nemanja Matic after he was a crucial part of his midfield during his three-yearsat Real Madrid.