Arsenal’s hopes of signing Wolfsburg star Julian Draxler have been dramatically boosted after the midfielder told Bild that he wants to leave the club (via Sport Witness) during an exclusive interview with the German newspaper.
The 22 year-old only joined the club from Schalke last season and spent the summer at the European Championships with the Germany national team. Wolfsburg coach Dieter Hecking said on Monday that the midfielder will not be leaving the club this season and Draxler himself hasn’t taken the news very well.
“Before one goes public, they should also have a word with myself.” Draxler told Bild.
“For me it is so that I have expressed myself clearly after the Euros with Dieter Hecking that I want to leave Wolfsburg. The coach knows for more than three weeks. Two days after the semi-final at the European Championships I told him how I see the whole situation and what I want – which is to leave the club.”
Draxler seems to believe that it was known from the moment he moved to Wolfsburg that this would happen.
“I was verbally assured with my transfer in August 2015 that I can leave the club when given opportunities, both from Hecking, as well as [Wolfsburg sporting director Klaus] Allofs.
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“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.”
It’s a fairly damning interview from Draxler who was the subject of a bid from Arsenal in 2014. It’s no secret that Arsene Wenger is a fan of the player and this could be good news for the north London faithful. The trouble is that Draxler isn’t exactly what the Gunners need right now. While the German is one of the best young players in his position, Arsenal need to sign a striker and a centre back before they think about making a move for the German.
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