In the past week, Arsenal have been linked with a lot of players. The one that has emerged again after a long period of time is Julian Draxler.
Bild have confirmed that Julian Draxler is in talks with Arsenal following the midfielder’s announcement that he wishes to leave Wolfsburg.
Long regarded as one of the top talents coming through in German football, Draxler’s career perhaps hasn’t taken off as it might have done due to playing in so many different positions, particularly since his move to Wolfsburg last summer.
The 22-year-old has the ability to fill a number of roles to a high standard, which will please Arsene Wenger, a known fan of versatile and intelligent footballers.
While a deal is by no means close at this stage, it seems Draxler is trying to force through an exit from Wolfsburg, with Arsenal his preferred destination.
In an interview with Bild, he said:
I clearly told [Wolfsburg coach] Dieter Hecking after the European Championship that I wanted to leave Wolfsburg.
The coach knew for over three weeks. It really surprised me that for weeks they talked to the media about me. I expected that differently, for instance that someone would approach me and ask how I see it. Before they said something publicly, they should have also talked with me personally first.
Two days after the European Championship semifinal I told [Hecking] how I saw the whole situation and what I want for myself – specifically to leave the club. Now I am back in Germany and again people are talking about me to the media instead of talking with me directly. Now I want to say something about it.
When I moved in August 2015, I was verbally assured that I could leave the club if opportunities presented themselves. Both by Hecking and from Allofs.
It was always clear between all the parties involved that I wanted to go to an international top club if I had the chance.
The very fact that Draxler felt the need to hold an interview with Bild to confirm he does indeed wish to leave Wolfsburg is a very clear indication that a top club are keenly interested in his services.
And Sky Germany’s Kaveh Solhekol has supported Bild’s claim, with the Gunners his preferred destination. However, Juventus are also interested.
Julian Draxler due back training with Wolfsburg today. Told he wants to join Arsenal. Gave interview to Bild to try & force through move
— Kaveh Solhekol (@SkyKaveh) August 3, 2016
Sky in Germany: Juventus & Arsenal want to sign Julian Draxler. He prefers Arsenal. He told Wolfsburg he wants to leave 4 weeks ago
— Kaveh Solhekol (@SkyKaveh) August 3, 2016
Sky Germany reporter Jurek Rohrberg tweeted from his personal account that Draxler would prefer a move to Arsenal.
@juventusfc und @Arsenal sind wohl interessiert..Tendenz des Spielers geht eher zu #Arsenal
— Jurek Rohrberg (@Sky_Jurek) August 2, 2016
However, Wolfsburg have categorically ruled out selling the player, releasing a statement denying everything. They said,
we deny the existence of any written or verbal agreement made at any time regarding a transfer of Julian Draxler within the current transfer period up to August 31, 2016.
This is confirmed by a release clause stipulated with Julian Draxler and his management which only comes into force in the summer of 2017.
Wolfsburg will not transfer Julian Draxler during the current transfer period. Wolfsburg have explained to Julian Draxler once again in a talk that his express to leave the club cannot be accommodated.
now all apparent uncertainties have been resolved, all involved can return to leading a professional, responsible cooperation for the good of Wolfsburg and in particular also our fans.
Draxler underwent his first training session of pre-season on Wednesday before meeting with club bosses and being informed of their refusal to let him leave. Should all this information prove to be accurate, it could well be Draxler, and not Riyad Mahrez, who will be lining up in Arsenal colours this season.
What is gonna happen ? Would Arsenal move for Draxler ? We’ve been told that Arsenal were interested in him last summer and even tabled a bid. Arsene Wenger wanted to sign him and convert him into a striker. Could he be that option ? Can he play as a striker ? In my opinion, he can play anywhere in the midfield but we need a striker. He’d be very expensive and spending that kind of money on a player who we don’t even need will be a huge mistake.
