Arsenal Transfer News: Lehmann Tells Draxler to Sign on at the Emirates

Former Arsenal stopper Jens Lehmann has told countryman Julian Draxler to sign for the Gunners.

With the transfer window edging toward closure, Arsene Wenger doesn't have much time to secure the youngster from Schalke, but clearly Lehmann believes it's a deal that needs to be done.  

According to James Dickenson of the Express, Lehmann remarked:

"

I think Julian Draxler is perceived to be one of the greatest, talented young players in Germany. So it would be a good move for him to go to Arsenal.

With Arsenal, he has a bigger likeness of playing in the Champions League next year, which is quite certain. Of course, it may give him a bigger chance to play at the World Cup with Brazil.

"

A hefty £37 million release clause could prove to be a stumbling block; however, Wenger showed with the last-ditch capture of Mesut Ozil that such signings can have a galvanizing effect.

With only 15 Premier League games left to play, and main rivals Manchester City and Chelsea hanging onto Arsenal's coat tails, an injection of new blood may be just the boost Wenger's squad needs to push on for a title tilt.

At only 20 years of age, Draxler truly has the football world at his feet.

With no discernible weaknesses to his all-round game, and as Europe's top player aged under 21 (per WhoScored.com), there is a compelling argument to find a place for him in an already strong Arsenal side.

The player himself appears open to a move. He told Jeremy Wilson of The Telegraph:

"

I have always said English teams are very big clubs and Arsenal is of course one of them. Of course I sometimes speak to Mesut [Ozil] or Per [Mertesacker] about the team, about the club, and they always have good words and they tell me nice things.

They always have very young players, they play attractive football and that's what I like.

"

So what can Gunners fans expect from the German?

An immaculate first touch, allied to strength, speed, intelligence and goalscoring prowess make Draxler one of the most complete attacking midfielders of his generation.

Whilst he has spent time as a No. 10, most of his forays are from the wider areas.

His ability to beat his marker at will is reminiscent of Robin van Persie, whom we know was eventually converted into a centre-forward, in much the same way as we saw the evolution of Thierry Henry. Can Draxler be the Mark III project?

Schalke may bemoan the loss of their star man but £37 million doesn't buy you second-rate replacements. There are tangible benefits to the Germans too if they invest wisely. It's a move that benefits all parties.

It's time for Arsene to pull the rabbit out of the hat again.