Arsenal Transfer News: Mario Gotze, Julian Draxler Considered in Latest Rumours

Arsenal have a German duo in their sights this summer after it emerged the Gunners are considering moves for both Mario Gotze and Julian Draxler in a bid to beef up their creative options.

Reports from Italian newspaper Tuttosport have surfaced claiming Arsene Wenger's side will look to sign not one but both of the playmakers, per the Daily Star's Alex Harris, with Manchester United also keen.

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Both Gotze and Draxler have been linked to the Emirates Stadium in the past, but murmurs this summer suggest the Bundesliga starlets could be up for grabs following disruptions in their respective environments.

Gotze made 32 league appearances under Pep Guardiola last term but was regularly played out of position. Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport provides a comment from Bayern sporting director Matthias Sammer, who says his midfielder will be staying put, via Football Italia:

"

All the talk about Mario is gossip from outside. It's had no bearing on the sporting side. He still has two years left on his contract here. You must not forget that he still is a very young player. We have a big squad with great quality, so it's normal for a player to have thoughts of leaving. But I expect him to move on and show the will to break through here. He wants that.

"

Meanwhile, Harris' report quotes Draxler's agent, Roger Wittmann, who says "a deal could be concluded for €25 million (£17.4 million)" after his £31 million release clause expired this summer.

Schalke will be desperate to hang onto a player they've seen excel at the Veltins-Arena from a very early age, having made his Bundesliga debut in 2011 at just 17 years of age.

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The mood at the Emirates has taken a turn for the worse after Arsenal suffered a home defeat to West Ham United in their Premier League campaign opener Sunday.

Bleacher Report's Stefan Bienkowski feels Bayern star Gotze could be especially helpful to the Gunners' cause, likening his potential to that of Wolfsburg sensation and former Chelsea misfit Kevin De Bruyne:

Metro's Louis Sealey reports Juventus are also interested in the Germany internationals, but Arsenal may be considered favourites in the race if it were to come down to a debate over spending power.

That being said, attacking midfield may not be considered a priority area for recruitment at present after Match of the Day pundit Danny Murphy pointed out Arsenal were too stacked in that position against West Ham:

Draxler has long been attached to the European elite and expected to complete a big transfer in recent years, but injuries have impeded his progress, making just six Bundesliga appearances last season.

Ex-Germany international turned television pundit Lothar Matthaus doesn't see the Schalke starlet or World Cup winner Gotze as "champion material," however, according to Norwegian broadcaster Jan Aage Fjortoft:

It's difficult to envision where Wenger would fit in one of the midfielders, never mind both, as the likes of Mesut Ozil, Aaron Ramsey, Alexis Sanchez, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Santi Cazorla and more all fight for similar roles.

Gotze and Draxler would be considered welcome additions to just about any lineup, but the chances of landing such a coveted duo seems unlikely for an Arsenal team that has more pressing transfer concerns.