Arsenal Transfer Rumour: Gunners receive boost in their pursuit of Julian Draxler
Arsenal have been handed a huge transfer boost in their pursuit of German international Julian Draxler as Wolfsburg confirm they might let the 23-year-old leave the club next summer. Arsene Wenger is a long-term admirer of Draxler and the North London outfit might have secured his services during the previous transfer window if it wasn’t for the German club’s reluctance in selling their prized asset.
The Gunners have been keeping closing tabs on the former Schalke player for quite a period of time and now that Wolfsburg’s general manager, Klaus Allofs has admitted the club will consider offers for Draxler next summer, Arsenal are in pole position to sign the 23-year-old.
"We may evaluate the situation differently, and may do things differently next time,” said Allofs. "Does this mean letting him leave? Potentially."
Draxler joined Wolfsburg in the 2015 August from Schalke for £25million and has made 41 appearances for the club bagging 8 goals and as many assists. Following his impressive showing for Germany in UEFA Euro 2016, Draxler made it clear that he wanted to leave Wolfsburg but the club were disinclined to sell him. Draxler was unhappy with the club's stance and criticised the Wolfsburg hierarchy for not letting him leave the Volkswagen Arena.
"I expressed myself clearly after the Euros, with coach Dieter Hecking, that I want to leave Wolfsburg," Draxler told Bild in August. “The coach has known for more than three weeks. Two days after the semi-final defeat to France at the European Championships, I told him how I see the whole situation and what I want, which is to leave the club. It was always clear between all parties that I would like to go to a top international club if the opportunity arises. It was discussed that we speak rationally with one another if other clubs show interest.”
After the transfer window slammed shut, Draxler said he wants to focus on playing for the Die Wolfe, but only until next summer. “From September 1, it was clear that we could only go in one direction. There will probably be speculation again in January, but I won't be the one to start them. My head is fully focused. I play towards the summer, trying to help the club."
Draxler has not been at his best this campaign and his form has mirrored with that of his club. Wolfsburg are currently 14th in the Bundesliga table having picked up just 9 points from 11 games and Draxler hasn’t managed to register even a single goal or assist so far this season. Despite the recent slump in his form, his footballing prowess is unquestionable. Along with his talent, the versatility to play on both wings and behind the striker makes him a welcome addition to any the of the top sides in Europe.
The next summer transfer window might witness a battle for his signature as apart from Arsenal, French champions Paris Saint-Germain and Seria A champions Juventus are reportedly interested in him and whoever convinces the German to join them would also have to meet his release clause of £62million which gets activated next June.
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