Manchester United Transfer News: Julian Draxler More Suited to Arsenal Style

After yet another disappointing weekend for Manchester United, manager David Moyes is now reportedly lining up long-term Arsenal target Julian Draxler for his revamped squad next season. 

Paul Hetherington of the Daily Star writes that Moyes checked on the German international prodigy during his club's 2-1 victory on Friday night.

Draxler assisted one of Schalke's goals during the match for Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, and he had a goal disallowed himself. It was yet another good performance for the highly rated youngster. 

Hetherington reported:

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United boss David Moyes has identified Germany as the place to recruit midfield talent. In addition to Draxler, United are in pole position to sign Borussia Dortmund’s Ilkay Gundogan. And Moyes is also an admirer of Gundogan’s team-mate – Marco Reus – and Bayern Munich’s Toni Kroos as he assesses a long list of summer targets.

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Bogdan Maran/Associated Press

Arsene Wenger has been an admirer of the player for some time, with reports suggesting that the North London giants are prepared to swap Lukas Podolski in part-exchange to facilitate a deal. However, Thomas Zocher of Sky Sports recently reported that Podolski denies any such move, quoting the player saying: 

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Every top player is of interest to Arsenal - and Draxler is certainly one of those. But I do not know what the [club bosses] are planning. I am in contact with Julian. He is a great guy. But we haven't spoken about any transfer. I only know that a swap deal involving me and him was never a consideration.

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Despite suffering with injury recently, Draxler has featured 18 times in the Bundesliga for Schalke this season, per Squawka. He has also played seven times in the Champions League this year, scoring on three occasions. 

Martin Meissner/Associated Press

There is no doubting Draxler's potential and he will be a phenomenal signing for any club in Europe that captures him.

However, it is debatable whether he is the right player for Moyes and United at this time.

With the club suffering in defence and the exits of Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra imminent, it could be assumed that funds will be used to fill these huge gaps. 

Draxler is a fantastic player and would suit the Arsenal squad, but at United he would likely be played out of position.

As an attack-minded player, he would be presumably used in Moyes' preferred 4-4-2 and will suffer with the defensive duties that this formation brings. Juan Mata is currently experiencing such a problem.

A box-to-box player like Gundogan or Kroos is much better suited for this tactic, and with Mata and Wayne Rooney in attendance, Draxler might struggle for game time if he does not settle in a deeper-lying position. 

At Arsenal he would be afforded greater freedom. With Wenger looking to replace the skills gap left by Robin van Persie, the signing of Draxler would make more sense than the player arriving at Old Trafford. 

The Premier League would benefit from a player as good as Draxler, but he will need to be at the right club in order to shine.