Sami Khedira has been a long-term transfer target for Arsenal this summer…
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Arsenal’s pursuit of Real Madrid and Germany midfielder Sami Khedira is set to be dealt a huge blow with the news that the European Champions are planning on offering the player to Monaco as part of the deal that will bring James Rodriguez to the Bernabeu.
The Metro have revealed reports in Germany that suggest Madrid are planning on making an offer to the French side, which would see Khedira move to the Ligue 1 club in exchange for man-of-the-moment Rodriguez.
The Gunners were believed to be closing on a deal for the World Cup winner, despite increasing interest from London rivals Chelsea, but it appears this new development could end the hopes of both Premier League sides.
Arsenal have also shown an interest in Southampton midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin this summer, but the 24-year-old Frenchman would reportedly prefer a move to Tottenham to link-up with former manager Mauricio Pochettino.
Monaco are said to be demanding nearly £70m for Rodriguez, who starred at the World Cup where he picked up the Golden Boot award, scoring six times in five matches.
Real Madrid are only thought to be willing to spend around £60m on bringing the Colombian to the Bernabeu, with Bild speculating the Spanish giants could be willing to use Khedira to sweeten the deal.
Assuming that the Spanish giants do force through their seemingly inevitable deal for Rodriguez, the 23-year-old will complete an intimidating attacking quartet alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema.
The prospect of seeing Madrid facing-off against a Barcelona team led by Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez is becoming progressively more mouth-watering.