After the excitement Arsenal fans had upon hearing that German World Cup winner Sami Khedira was set to join the club, we have once upon seemingly been lead down a false trail as new reports have now emerged that the proposed transfer has hit a snag.

Wage demands

Arsenal’s current highest earners are Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez who are both believed to be on around £130,000 a week. However, for Khedira to come to North London his demands would mean he becomes the clubs new highest earner.

The 27 year old, who has rejected a new deal at Real Madrid, has demanded £150,000 a week before bonuses, a figure which Wenger and the club are refusing to agree to. Subsequently, the club look set to end their pursuit of the £23.5 million German star.

The clubs refusal to be held to ransom to Khedira’s wage demands have opened the door for London rivals Chelsea to come in and sign the World Cup winner; a move which would dent a major blow in any hopes the Gunners had of winning the league this year.

Strange decision

The change of mind of Khedira, who had principal agreement with the Gunners, appears to be a very strange decision, especially as it would mean reuniting with his best friend Mesut Ozil, and fellow German internationals Lukas Podolski and Per Mertesacker.

This change of mind will most likely be due to his agent whispering in his ear to hold out for the better deal, which Chelsea can offer him.

Other options

However, it is not all doom and gloom. Long term Arsenal target Lars Bender is still firmly in the frame to move to the Emirates, and would provide a more than adequate replacement, at a more reasonable price.

In addition to being cheaper than Khedira, Bender is also younger, and has international pedigree, and would have been part of this victorious German side had injury not ruled him out of the tournament.

If Arsenal get either man, it will be a significant step in the right direction.

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