To back up afctw - we also played quite a lot of 1st teamers in the cups last year, resulting in a loss of form in the league. This way you could guarantee that 1 of Flamini and Arteta will play all the league cup and FA Cup games, the same with Carzorla, Wilshere and Gnarby - giving us a really strong 2nd side, and key players (Ozil, Sanchez, Ramsey, Khedira???, Kos ect) a rest as well.
Is Khedira this years Gonzalo Higuian? There are claims from his agent that no talks have taken place.
My whole take on the Khedira rumours is that not a lot has actually been happening thus far and the stories of him demanding huge salary and us stalling on it are just column fillers. The bloke only flew back to Germany yesterday with the world cup winning squad, so he's been well occupied over the last few weeks. I reckon Wenger has probably made contact with Real and his agent, but the real negotiating will start now that everybody is back in Europe.
The thing about Khedira is his World Cup displays (particularly against Brazil) have elevated his price and potential earnings. Had Lars Bender been fit he would have been on the bench. I would be over the moon if we manage to sign Khedira but I can't help but think maybe Bender would be a better acquisition. He's at least as talented, younger, probably cheaper and would command lower wages.
The main issue is Bender actually available? He's said that he doesn't want to leave and I can imagine that Khedira would be more welcome of a move.
I don't think Khedira wants to leave Madrid,he's just playing a bit of brinksmanship to get a better contract.
I think I'd rather an out and out defensive midfielder given the option anyway. There's no doubting he's a fabulous player and I know he'd strengthen us but if we're after someone defensively minded there are surely better options.
It could be but I'm starting to think that this one was never going to happen and that our target is someone else. What about Javi Martinez? Also the Bender rumours are pretty quiet.
Real sign Kroos http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/28342137 start of a domino effect and a move for Khedira?
