EXCLUSIVE
By Greg Stobart
Arsenal are in advanced talks with Real Madrid over a season-long loan move for Real Madrid midfielder Nuri Sahin.
Goal.com revealed on Wednesday that Arsenal’s north London rivals Tottenham have turned down an offer to take Sahin on loan as part of Real Madrid’s bid for Luka Modric - but that has not deterred Arsene Wenger from making a move.
Spurs have not completely ruled out an interest in Sahin but Arsenal are now clear favourites to sign the 23-year-old, who is also on Manchester United’s radar. However, reports in Spain suggest that Madrid will only offload Sahin once they have completed the signing of Modric, to ensure they aren't a man down in central midfield.
Arsenal boss Wenger considers Sahin a useful addition to his squad to play as a deep-lying playmaker after learning that Jack Wilshere is likely to miss the first three months of the new season with ongoing ankle and knee problems.
Sahin joined Real Madrid from Borussia Dortmund last year in a €10 million (£7.9m) deal but has struggled for form and fitness, making just four league appearances last term for the Spanish champions.
Arsenal would like to agree an option to make the switch permanent at the end of the season but Real Madrid are reluctant to set a fee for the creative midfielder, who they value at around £20m and has five years remaining on his contract.
The Spanish giants are looking to offload Sahin as he is likely to find playing opportunities limited once again next season, while they are keen to create space in the squad to sign Modric from Spurs.
Arsenal have been busy in the transfer market this summer, signing two internationals in Olivier Giroud and Lukas Podolski from Montpellier and Koln respectively.
Wenger is also hopeful of keeping Robin van Persie at the club despite the Arsenal captain declaring that he will not sign a new contract - his current deal expires next summer - amid interest from Manchester City, Manchester United and Juventus.
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Arsenal close in on deal for Real Madrid midfielder Sahin
GOAL.com – Thu, Aug 2, 2012 3:20 PM SGT
View PhotoLiverpool sign Sahin on season-long loan from Real Madrid
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