Julian Draxler can leave - Jens Keller

Julian Draxler (right)

Schalke boss Jens Keller has admitted that he will allow playmaker Julian Draxler to leave if any club triggers his release clause that is said to be around £37 million.

Arsenal were linked with the talented German but Draxler decided to stay put as he hopes to make the World cup squad.

Manager Jens Keller was quoted speaking to ESPN, “I am delighted that we have him on board for the second half of the season but, because of his clause, he can leave when a club puts the money on the table.

“That’s why I can’t plan with him, because it is just not in my or our hands.

“It’s a god-awful situation when, as the coach, you don’t know whether such an important player will move on, but Julian was injured at that time, so at least any unrest did not necessarily affect the other players.

“He’s young, but has made over 100 competitive appearances for Schalke. Others don’t achieve that in five, six years.

“That’s why he is very experienced already, and has shown his superior qualities often enough, although his youth shows in his consistency,” he added.

Keller warned Draxler that he needs to keep his head amid the speculation, “It’s clear that all the talk about his release clause and the interest from top European clubs leaves its mark on such a young lad.

“The hype around him last summer was huge. He must learn to cope with that, and also that failing to perform at less than 100% is not good enough for him.”