The Gunners could get another chance to get their hands on the highly-rated German winger Julian Draxler as reports have yet again emerged of the Wolfsburg player nearing an exit from the club. It seems more authentic now, however, as sporting director Klaus Allofs has confirmed the possibility.
Draxler was heavily linked with a move to the Premier League during the summer after it became clear that he wanted to leave Wolfsburg. Wolfsburg’s former boss Dieter Hecking had, however, said that the club would not be looking to sell Draxler. But judging the way the club has performed this season, some of the stars could leave as they are unlikely to challenge for the Champions League places, let alone the title that they managed a season ago.
Allofs has admitted that they will now consider selling the 23-year-old. He told Sport1: “We’d evaluate it differently now and maybe give our approval the next time.”
Draxler has long been a target of Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger as his quality and versatility has impressed the gaffer. Making his mark after progressing through the youth ranks of FC Schalke 04, the winger spent almost six years at the club making 170 appearances for them in all competitions, scoring 30 goals in total.
Arsenal have seen some excellent display from Alex Iwobi and Alexis Sanchez on the left flank and although Wenger has always maintained that he will not shy away from a signing if he feels that it would improve the team and Draxler certainly is one who fits that description, Wenger will surely think twice before buying him now.
Although Arsenal’s latest recruit Lucas Perez is yet to show his grit and quality for the club and is currently out with an ankle injury, Wenger is expected to give him time. Draxler is primarily an inverted winger who likes to cut infield and run at opponents using his exceptional speed and dribbling ability and there is no denying the fact that he will bring a lot more dynamism to the Gunners side.
If tricks and turns are concerned, Draxler is a better player than Iwobi at any given day although the Nigerian is very young. Draxler’s import would lead to the Iwobi moving to some other club for a first team chance. But Draxler isn’t that old a player either, so it might not be the worst decision to lose Iwobi as the German is pretty much a complete player.
Arsenal are currently fourth in the Premier League table and have already qualified for the Champions League knockout stages. If Wenger does make a move to bring in the German, Arsenal may finally be looking at a major silverware this season.
