Arsenal Transfer News: Julian Draxler Warning from Lothar Matthaus, Top Rumours

Arsenal target Julian Draxler has a "weak character" and top clubs should not go in for the Wolfsburg winger, according to former Germany captain Lothar Matthaus. 

Draxler has been the subject of speculation after his poor form with Wolfsburg this season, and Bild recently indicated a January departure is inevitable, with Arsenal picked out as his main suitor, per Sport Witness:

However, multiple Bundesliga winner Matthaus has warned major European clubs against signing the 23-year-old, citing a lack of consistency, per Sport Bild (via ESPN.co.uk's Stephan Uersfeld). 

"He is also to be held responsible for where Wolfsburg stand right now," the 55-year-old said. "I say very clearly: I would currently not sign Draxler as a top club because of his weak character. He might be a talent, but he has not shown he can make a difference at the highest level on a permanent basis."

Wolfsburg are embroiled in a relegation battle after picking up just 10 points from the first 13 matches of the 2016-17 Bundesliga season.

Club	Season	Appearances (as a sub)	Minutes	Goals	Assists
Wolfsburg	2016-17	10(1)	875	-	-
Wolfsburg	2015-16	19(2)	1,522	5	5
Schalke	2015-16	3	253	1	-
Schalke	2014-15	8(7)	774	2	1
Schalke	2013-14	25(1)	2,154	2	6
Schalke	2012-13	24(6)	2,150	10	3
Schalke	2011-12	21(9)	1,790	2	3

Matthaus believes that—despite Draxler's reported €75 million (£63.8 million) release clause set to be activated next summer—Wolfsburg would be prepared to let him go for around €40 million (£34 million) given his form, which led to him being booed recently by fans, per Sport Bild (via Uersfeld).

The young Germany international only moved to Wolfsburg in 2015, and Matthaus speculated that they would be prepared simply to recoup the money they spent on him.

Draxler has long been seen as one of the most exciting young talents in Europe. He can operate on either flank—he prefers the left—through the middle or even as a striker.

Last season in the UEFA Champions League, he dazzled against eventual champions Real Madrid as Wolfsburg won their quarter-final first leg 2-0, per Squawka:

Rumours have recently abounded that Arsenal's top star Alexis Sanchez may not sign a new contract and could leave the Emirates Stadium, per John Cross in the Mirror.

Draxler has all the attributes to potentially be a fine successor to the Chilean, but it would be a big gamble for Arsenal to make a move for him.

For Matthaus, Draxler has not yet shown the consistency to prove he could be a world-class player, but the Gunners could still move for him in January having been linked with him for some time.