Arsenal Transfer News: Julian Draxler, Daniele Rugani, Latest Gunners Rumours

Arsenal are reportedly trying to sign two of European football’s brightest prospects, with Wolfsburg’s Julian Draxler and Juventus’ Daniele Rugani said to be on the club’s shortlist.

Taking the former first, the Gunners are on “red alert” after Wolfsburg sporting director Klaus Allofs hinted the player could be moved on, according to John Cross of the Daily Mirror.

“Clearly we have a lot to talk about,” he said of a possible sale, per Cross. “There were a few issues that have emerged in the past.”

According to Cross, the Bundesliga side would be looking at around £55 million for the Germany international, although Bild (h/t Sport Witness) have suggested Wolfsburg will demand €60 million (£50 million).

Draxler came alive at times during the UEFA European Championship, where his nation were eliminated at the semi-final stage. Here is a look at why the 22-year-old is rated so highly:

The Wolfsburg man operates in a position in which Arsenal currently have a lot of options. Draxler can play on either flank or off the centre-forward in a No. 10 berth. In the likes of Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez, Alex Iwobi, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Aaron Ramsey and Theo Walcott, the squad is well-stocked in these positions.

What they do lack is a quality centre-forward; according to Cross, it’s a position Wenger believes Draxler could thrive in.

“Arsenal would prefer a more natural, central striker as Draxler plays behind the front line but Wenger has been convinced in the past that he could operate through the middle,” he added.

These numbers from Squawka Football point to a player who can have a big say in the final third on the biggest stage:

There’s no denying the class Draxler possesses. He's able to receive the ball with defenders surrounding him, glide past his markers and find team-mates with snappy passing. They're qualities you’d expect from a dangerous attacking midfielder but not necessarily a player who will be leading the line.

If Wenger did make space for the German in his attacking-midfield spots, he would add more diversity to the team’s forward forays. However, relying on him to lead the line next term would be a massive gamble.

Matthias Hangst/Getty Images

Aside from the top of the team, the other area of the squad that could do with some upgrading is at the back. According to Gianluca Di Marzio (h/t Edo Dalmonte of Calciomercato), the Gunners are looking at Juventus’ young star, Rugani, as an option.

The 21-year-old has long been touted as the next great Italian defender. Here is a look at why there’s so much excitement in Italy about the player:

However, given the success of defenders like Leonardo Bonucci, Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini, minutes have been tough to come by for the youngster. According to the previous source, there are still “fears that his role at Juventus will diminish,” and that’s encouraged the Gunners.

Nevertheless, Bleacher Report’s Gianni Verschueren expects to see Rugani in Bianconeri colours more frequently next term:

If Arsenal could convince Juventus to cash in, then Rugani would be a superb capture. The youngster has rarely put a foot wrong when given a chance in the first team and excelled during a two-year spell with Empoli between 2013 and 2015. He’s calm on the ball, strong in the tackle and aware when it comes to defensive positioning.

Wenger could certainly benefit from some youth in this area of the pitch, too. Calum Chambers was drafted in with one eye on the future, but his career at the Emirates Stadium has not taken off. 

Rugani would potentially be a linchpin at the back for many years, but convincing Juventus to sell such a bright prospect would be difficult.