Schalke star Julian Draxler has revealed he is open to a move to Arsenal with Mesut Ozil a big lure for the exciting youngster.
The German international admires his compatriot Ozil and admits he is ‘proud’ to play alongside him with the national team. Arsenal’s star summer signing could be deciding the factor that secures an Emirates move for Draxler despite a host of acclaimed clubs interested in his services.
The 20-year-old created plenty of buzz in the summer after declaring he would be open to a move away from the Bundesliga side, but ultimately remained with the club declining to negotiate for their star midfielder.
But now the German has stoked the fire by again clarifying he is not ‘rooted’ to Schalke and ultimately is seeking a move to a big club, with the Premier League a possible destination.
Draxler told German publication Kolner Stadt-Anzeiger:
I owe Schalke a lot, I have always been at Schalke. I need to emphasise this. But I ‘m not so rooted here that I could not tear myself away.
I can honestly say that it is my dream to play for one of the big clubs at some point.
Don't Miss:
- Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote’s bid to takeover Arsenal ‘edging closer’
- [Player ratings] Arsenal 0-1 Man City: Painfully early error inflicts defeat
- [Team news] Arsenal line up vs Man City – Arteta to make five changes
You don’t have to be playing for the very top club’s in Europe to draw attention to yourself, but if you want to achieve the great goals that the world-class players have, then one of them is playing at the biggest clubs in the world.
When asked what clubs he could see himself representing, Draxler pitched Arsenal among the likes of Bayern, United and Chelsea before hailing his idol Ozil and has transition to a world class talent after his move to a Madrid:
The big two in Spain, Real and Barcelona, Bayern and a few others from England, namely Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea.
I’ve always said I’m a big fan of Mesut Ozil, who ventured abroad and developed at Real Madrid into a world-class player.
Just to be a team-mate of his [with the German national team] makes me quite proud.
Draxler is contracted to Schalke until 2018 after recently signing a two year extension and is rated at a whopping £40m (he reportedly had a buy-out clause in this region).
He certainly is a tremendous talent and will be a big hit should he move abroad or to a more prestigious club (no offence to Schalke), but it is difficult to see Wenger splashing out substantially on the youngster. The Gunners are well stocked in the attacking midfield role, with Ozil, Rosicky, Cazorla, Wilshere and eventually Oxlade-Chamberlain all options in the advanced role. Wenger requires more striking and natural winger options – that’s the main priority.
But it is encouraging to see how the Ozil-factor will enable Arsenal to secure other top class players in the future. He is a big attraction, I mean who wouldn’t want to be either learning or receiving inch-perfect through balls from the Assist King?
What are your thoughts on Draxler? Think there would be room for him in the squad? Or is money better off spent on other top drawer players? Comment below..
COMMENTS