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Julian Draxler Speaks of Schalke Frustration to Heighten Arsenal Transfer Talk
December 10, 2013
Julian Draxler has suggested he is unhappy at Schalke and fuelled reports linking him with a move to Arsenal by saying he is "not welcome" in his favoured position at the Veltins-Arena.
The exciting 20-year-old, who prefers to play just behind the striker in an attacking midfield role, appears to be upset with Jens Keller's decision to farm him out to the left for the majority of the season, as the player discussed with Kicker (via Joe Krishnan of the London Evening Standard):
I have now resigned myself to the fact that I am not welcome in the number 10 position here at Schalke.
I am still convinced to be as dangerous just outside the centre. Even though I perhaps am the only one who thinks this.
Draxler has seen his desired position taken by 18-year-old Max Meyer, who continues to impress for the Bundesliga club. Although Draxler has made 19 appearances across the German division and the Champions League, 14 of those have come on the left flank, via WhoScored.com.
The talented prospect previously admitted he has spoken to Mesut Ozil and Per Mertesacker about life at the Emirates, as reported by the Press Association (via FIFA's official website):
Of course I sometimes speak to Mesut or Per about the team, about the club, and they always have good words and they tell me nice things. You never know what happens in the summer, but Arsenal is a very, very nice team.
Draxler also admitted there is "no way" he will leave Schalke during the January transfer window, but his outburst of frustration may speed things up. Keller's team are currently sixth in the Bundesliga and won't want any distractions as they attempt to qualify for next season's Champions League.
While Draxler's £45 million release clause may be extremely tempting for someone of his quality and potential, his comments could work against him when a potential buyer is considering to stump up the cash, per Krishnan's report.
He is extremely unlikely to oust Ozil from the No. 10 role at Arsenal.
Arsene Wenger has drilled midfielders such as Aaron Ramsey, Santi Cazorla and Jack Wilshere to both plug the middle and provide width when necessary, indicating it would be difficult for Draxler to waltz in and immediately receive the position of his choice.
Instead, Wenger is likely to favour someone who is willing to bed in and fight for his place on the pitch. While Draxler hasn't suggested he isn't willing to work hard, he appears disillusioned with Keller's treatment and could frustrate his current boss with the interview.
Arsenal have also been linked with Hamburg's Hakan Calhanoglu, who possesses similar versatility to Draxler, per Ben Jefferson of The Express.
The Gunners currently sit five points clear atop the Premier League, suggesting any potential acquisition has a huge opportunity to start their Emirates career with silverware.