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Why Arsenal should be interested in Julian Draxler

As previously reported, VfL Wolfsburg’s creative midfielder Julian Draxler is expected to leave the club in the coming months if his agent is to be believed. Read on to find out why arsenal should be on red alert for the german’s signature.

Draxler, who turned 23 in September, has been on Arsenal’s radar since his fantastic breakthrough season at Schalke in 2011/12. He has struggled with injuries and a lack of consistency since, but has shown his undeniable quality and world-class potential on a number of occasions, earning a surprise move to Dieter Hecking’s side twelve months ago after they overachieved and secured a UEFA Champions League place.

BREMEN, GERMANY – MAY 05: Julian Draxler of Schalke celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during the Bundesliga match between SV Werder Bremen and FC Schalke 04 at Weser Stadium on May 5, 2012 in Bremen, Germany. (Photo by Joern Pollex/Bongarts/Getty Images)

Having made his senior debut for Germany in May four years ago, Draxler has made 26 appearances and featured in every match but one during this summer’s European Championships in France as Die Mannschaft reached the semi-finals.

At club level though, VfL Wolfsburg have struggled for consistent form this term. Three goalless draws and two defeats mean that Hecking’s men find themselves in the wrong half of the Bundesliga table, and clearly need stability going forward. With that in mind, it’s no surprise that Draxler reportedly submitted a transfer request in the summer. There was previous interest from Serie A giants Juventus, as well as Ligue 1 champions Paris-Saint Germain for Draxler’s services, but a proposed move fell through.

The player’s agent Fabio Parisi, has told Italian newspaper Tuttosport the following: “Max Allegri had spoken to Draxler, they were in sync and there was an immediate rapport between them. Over the summer Draxler was on the verge of joining PSG, who had offered nearly £59m.

“He will definitely leave Wolfsburg at the end of the season. He would’ve gladly run to join Juve and is the ideal forward for Allegri. I repeat: Draxler will leave, but whether or not Juventus are interested again is another matter.”

Arsenal made public their interest in Draxler’s services and given his ability, it’s no surprise either. With his agent speaking publicly in the way he has, this news will intrigue a number of European clubs – not least Arsenal themselves.

The reported transfer fee (£37m) at the time was a potential stumbling block, but with inflation playing a big part in how clubs spend money, the two sides would negotiate a respectable fee if a deal was there to be completed.

Draxler is undoubtedly a prized asset, one that is rumoured to be unhappy and equally wants a move back towards Champions League football where he’d be able to challenge himself against Europe’s elite. Arsenal could be the perfect platform for him to develop, but would inevitably mean at least one outgoing to accommodate his arrival.

WOLFSBURG, GERMANY – OCTOBER 02: Jeffrey Bruma and Julian Draxler of Wolfsburg look dejected during the Bundesliga match between VfL Wolfsburg and 1. FSV Mainz 05 at Volkswagen Arena on October 2, 2016 in Wolfsburg, Germany. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Bongarts/Getty Images)

If he can perform consistently well for the remainder of the current season for both club and country whilst avoiding injury along the way, there’d be no shortage of suitors eager for his signature next summer.

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