We’re heading towards January so, as is the case at this time of the year, the rumour mill is getting ready to go and it’s thrown up Julian Draxler to Arsenal as an old faithful to ease us in.

The player wanted to leave Wolfsburg in the summer but the Germans were having none of it. They wanted to hold on to him until this summer when his €75m release clause came into play, and that’s exactly what they’ve managed to do.

Arsenal reportedly offered £50m for his services in the summer but Wolfsburg wanted more and, knowing they could get it in 2017, had no incentive to sell.

As mentioned, we’re heading towards a window but I’d be very surprised if Draxler moved in January, mostly for the reasons stated above.

Plus, mid-season moves for big names aren’t that usual. Players like to move at the start of a season, not in the middle of one which is not surprising.

The reason the speculation has really kicked off this week is that Wolfsburg issued a statement saying he’s not for sale. Quite how the statement below generated headlines claiming Draxler would be sold is beyond me…

“It is wrong to think we are looking to sell him. We are not planning to sell anyone,” sporting director, Klaus Allofs told WAZ.

“The most important thing is that the impression that Julian wants out disappears. He wants to do everything within his powers to be successful at Wolfsburg.

“There is absolutely no reason to even talk about Julian leaving in January.

“I am convinced Julian will not repeat his comments from last summer.”

Should Arsenal move for him, they will face massive competition from Juventus.

Not only do the Italians want him, according to Draxler’s agent in October, Julian wanted them too…

Fabio Parisi, said, “Max Allegri had spoken to Draxler, they were in sync and there was an immediate rapport between them.

“Wolfsburg have strong owners, but unfortunately for the German fans, everyone wants to leave there. Over the summer Draxler was on the verge of joining Paris Saint-Germain, who had offered nearly €65m (£59m).

“He will definitely leave Wolfsburg at the end of the season. He would’ve gladly run to join Juve and is the ideal trequartista for Allegri.

“I repeat: Draxler will leave, but whether or not Juventus are interested again is another matter. 

“I think the Bianconeri can still spend big money, as their revenue is close to that of the top European clubs.

“The very real profit made on Paul Pogba will have an effect on their balance sheets for the next few years, allowing Beppe Marotta and Fabio Paratici to make more investments.”