Arsenal are set to complete the signing of Schalke wonderkid Julian Draxler this week, according to reports.
The Mail on Sunday claims that negotiations are still ongoing between the two clubs, but the 20-year-old has made it clear that he wants to make the switch this month and all parties are committed to getting the deal done.
The Gunners don’t want to pay more than £30m for the Germany international, whereas Schalke are holding out for a fee closer to £35m. But the reports suggest that a compromise will be reached in the form of add-ons and clauses that will result in Schalke receiving the amount they want if Draxler is a success at the Emirates.
Manager Arsene Wenger believes the youngster, currently playing on the wing or as a second striker, could be converted to become an out-and-out striker over the coming seasons. Having being frustrated in his attempts to bring a striker in on loan during the current transfer window, he has seemingly opted to move for Draxler – who was a target for the summer – and deploy him as a central striker if necessary.
Wenger played down the rumours following Friday evening’s FA Cup win over Coventry City, saying: “That again is an illusion. There is nothing happening. There is no need to take a player on the flank.”
But compare Wenger’s face when denying the Draxler rumours (top) to his face when playing down suggestions of a move for Mesut Ozil just days before he signed (bottom).
