Why Arsenal Are Unlikely to Move for Julian Draxler in January

In January of 2014, Arsenal’s transfer window was dominated by a protracted saga over Schalke’s Julian Draxler. In the end, a move failed to materialise, and Arsenal ended up with the underwhelming addition of Kim Kallstrom.

However, according to Anthony Chapman of the Express, Arsenal could be preparing to go back for Draxler in January 2015:

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Arsenal will match Julian Draxler's £37million Schalke release clause after growing frustrated with club-record signing Mesut Ozil.

The Gunners were tipped to land the 20-year-old during the summer transfer window, but boss Arsene Wenger instead opted to purchase Barcelona's Alexis Sanchez for £30million.

Arsenal have made a less-than-impressive start to the Premier League campaign, winning just twice in their opening seven fixtures, and Wenger is finally ready to move for Draxler in order to revive his injury-hit squad.

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After a disappointing end to the 2013/14 season, Draxler’s stock is once more on the rise. He caught the eye in England with a terrific display against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, helping Schalke to a creditable 1-1 draw. 

However, it’s difficult to see Arsene Wenger gunning for Draxler this January. For starters, the Arsenal squad is already blessed with a huge array of attacking midfielders. Even with Ozil out, Wenger is able to call on the likes of Jack Wilshere, Aaron Ramsey, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Santi Cazorla and Tomas Rosicky.

There had been talk that Wenger might intend to convert Draxler into a centre-forward, putting him through the same developmental process that turned Thierry Henry and Robin van Persie from providers to predators.

With Danny Welbeck having arrived from Manchester United, the need for a new striker has been assuaged. Come January, Wenger will also have Olivier Giroud to factor into his thinking.

Draxler isn’t a priority. There are other areas of the squad that require far more urgent attention. Specifically, Arsenal are desperate for cover at centre-half. Laurent Koscielny has been sent home from the France camp complaining of an Achilles problem. It seems like a matter of time until the Gunners are made to pay for their lack of defensive depth.

Wenger might also be in the market for a central midfielder. Speaking to Dean Nelson of The Telegraph, Robert Pires suggested that Wenger should make a move for Sami Khedira to add power and presence to the Arsenal XI.

Matthias Hangst/Getty Images

A more credible destination for Draxler is Bayern Munich. Bayern have a tendency to hoover up the best German players, and Draxler could be the latest to be caught in the talent tractor beam.

Schalke and Bayern are fierce rivals, but even that might not be enough to dissuade Draxler from joining the German champions. Speaking to derwesten.de (h/t Sky Sports), Draxler has said:

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I'd prefer not to comment on all those [Bayern] rumours.

Look at what happened with Manuel Neuer. He was 100 per cent convinced that he would never join FC Bayern but, after having played as a pro for five years, time made him change his opinion.

I also can't say what I will think in five or six or maybe even 10 years.

And when you rule something out entirely and you end up playing where most people don't want you to be, the outcry is huge.

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Draxler seems to be consciously managing the expectations of his supporters. He is paving the way for a controversial move. In all probability, the destination will be Munich rather than London.

 

James McNicholas is Bleacher Report's lead Arsenal correspondent and will be following the club from a London base throughout the 2014/15 season. Follow him on Twitter here.