Arsenal Close in on Real Madrid Midfielder Sami Khedira with Lucrative Offer

Arsenal have reportedly set their sights on Real Madrid midfielder Sami Khedira and are ready to offer a lucrative contract to bring him to the Emirates, according to the Express.

The Gunners began their summer spending in style with the capture of Barcelona's Alexis Sanchez, who was unveiled on Thursday in full Arsenal gear. They have beaten the likes of Liverpool and Juventus to land the Chilean and it will be seen as a big coup for Arsene Wenger.

The north London club are not stopping there and the boss is said to be keen on bringing Khedira to the Emirates and as reported, Wenger is willing to make him the highest-paid player at the club.

The German midfielder is said to be demanding a salary of £8m-per-year to make the switch.

The 27-year-old midfielder, who is currently in Brazil for the World Cup, has played a starring role in Germany's run to the final of the prestigious tournament.

It is claimed that Khedira is pushing for a move away from the Santiago Bernabeu. It is believed that he has rejected an offer of a two-year contract extension from the reigning European champions as he feels that he may not get enough playing time with the imminent arrival of compatriot Toni Kroos to Real.

The German midfielder is said to be close friends with Arsenal duo Per Mertesacker and Mesut Ozil and Wenger will be hoping that they can convince their compatriot.

Meanwhile, Gunners vice-captain Mikel Arteta will be supporting Germany when they take on Argentina in the final of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. He is hoping his club teammates Mertesacker, Ozil and Lukas Podolski return victorious and bring that spirit into the Arsenal camp and lead them to more trophies next season.

"It must be an unbelievable feeling just to have the chance to play in a World Cup final," Arteta said, as quoted in the Express.

"We'll be very proud for them if they win it and it will be a big experience for them to win a tournament like that.

"It gives you confidence and another dimension. Hopefully they can do it and bring that spirit back with them to Arsenal. That will only strengthen the team and the spirit and the ability to win which is the most important thing," the Spanish midfielder added.