Arsenal Transfer News: Arsene Wenger Should Pursue Julian Draxler

Arsene Wenger has denied reports he is interested in signing Julian Draxler from Schalke.

The Gunners have been linked with the German attacker as Wenger is reportedly keen on bolstering his attacking options, according to Matt Law of The Telegraph.

But speaking after Arsenal's 4-0 FA Cup fourth-round win against Coventry, ESPN report Wenger as saying: "That is an illusion. There is nothing happening, honestly no. We don't need to take players on the flanks - we have 17 players on the flanks."

Although Draxler is injured with a ruptured tendon in his ankle at the moment, it is still a viable option for Wenger to pursue the player.

Completing Draxler's signing now, Arsenal could allow the player to continue treatment in Germany while making a gradual move to England, allowing him time to acclimatise into his new surroundings.

Draxler is only 20 years old and breaking the move down like this would soften the blow of being taken out of his comfort zone.

Strangely, Draxler's injury could also prove beneficial to Arsenal on the field too. First, by the time he returns to action, if he is settled in England it would allow him to focus on producing his best football without the distraction of his personal life.

And second, his signing would not only force players already at the club to raise their game by increasing competition for places, but his return from injury at a crucial time in the season could prove the decisive factor in the Premier League title race.

As reported by Talksport, former Arsenal defender Martin Keown believes Wenger is unlikely to move for Draxler during the middle of the season:

"

If Arsenal are going to buy a player now, it’s got to be a ready-made player, like Mesut Ozil was. Wenger is the sort of manager who deals himself a hand at the start of the season, and then plays it.

He doesn’t like dipping in [to the market in January]. They’ll be saving their money for an Ozil like signing in the summer.

"

Wenger must act to snap up a player of breathtaking talent now rather than leave it until the summer and risk having to enter a bidding war with other interested clubs.