Arsenal’s chances of securing a big name transfer in January have increased over the last few days. However, it is once again not a striker, which many fans desire. Instead it’s 20-year-old attacking midfielder Julian Draxler. Draxler is usually deployed on the left wing for Schalke and is recognised as one of the best under 21 footballers in the world. Arsenal’s interest stretches to when Draxler was a teenager, but the German club have managed to keep hold of their prize asset so far. His days at the club appear to be numbered though, and whilst many expected him to leave in the summer, Draxler’s move away may now be accelerated, because of Arsenal.
Following Theo Walcott’s season ending injury, Arsene Wenger admitted Arsenal may have to ‘accelerate’ their transfer plans. The injury to Theo Walcott could see a deal be brought forward from the summer in the same way that Gibbs’ injury forced the Gunners to sign Monreal last January, instead of waiting until the summer. Draxler’s natural width and productivity would be a welcome addition in the absence of Walcott as Arsenal bid to end their trophy drought. Combined with this, Schalke have been making moves in the transfer market. German left winger Sidney Sam has agreed to join the club at the end of the season, and there are fresh rumours surfacing in the last few days that the club could bring back Lewis Hotlby, who can play on the left or in attacking midfield. Both of these players are similar to Draxler in a positional sense, and it’s hard to see Draxler staying on after the summer, if they do indeed both arrive. The reports in German media outlet Bild suggest Hotlby could join in January, leaving the door open for Arsenal to swoop for long term target Draxler.
“Draxler will leave” big in Germany now! Because: – Schalke have bought Sidney Sam and are (apparently) getting Lewis Holtby Replacements?
— Jan Aage Fjortoft (@JanAageFjortoft) January 14, 2014
Draxler spoke about Arsenal in November, talking up the club, saying he had heard only good things: ‘I have always said English teams are very big clubs and Arsenal is of course one of them. I sometimes speak to Mesut or Per about the team and they always have good words and they tell me nice things.
However he did, at the time, rule out a January move ‘no way’. He did add that a summer move could happen: ‘You never know what happens in the summer but Arsenal is a very, very nice team. They always have very young players, they play attractive football and that’s what I like.’
Schalke’s Sporting Director Heldt told German media outlet Bild, last week: “We still hope that Julian stays, but there are elements we can’t influence,”
It is thought that included in Draxler’s contract is a £40million release clause, a clause which many believe can only be triggered in the summer. It’s a figure which reflects Draxler’s current ability and potential, and one which many clubs around Europe are willing to meet. As well as Arsenal, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich have been heavily linked. Arsenal’s German ties with the player could be key, with Draxler already admitting talking to both Ozil and Mertesacker about the Premier League leaders. The dynamic midfielder is a clear fan of Arsenal as a club and Arsene Wenger, moving to Arsenal would be much safer and probably a better development move than if he were to choose Bayern Munich, Real Madrid or Manchester City.
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Photo by KBE