After Julian Draxler exclusively told Bild that he wanted to leave Wolfsburg, the reports linking him with a move to Arsenal have gone through the roof.
Here’s what we can make out.
What we know
Draxler wants to leave Wolfsburg. There’s is absolutely no doubt about this. He feels the Bundesliga club have gone back on agreements they made and he wants out, preferably to a club in the Champions League.
Juventus, who the 22-year-old turned down last summer, have been widely reported to be interested in him. However, according to Di Marzio, they’re actually not.
Sky Germany say both Arsenal and Juventus keen on Draxler – but player would prefer to move to Arsenal.
— Simon Collings (@sr_collings) August 3, 2016
Numerous media outlets, including Sky Germany, have been insisting that Draxler wants an Arsenal move and that, as we suspected, his interview with Bild was designed to put pressure on Wolfsburg.
Julian Draxler due back training with Wolfsburg today. Told he wants to join Arsenal. Gave interview to Bild to try & force through move
— Kaveh Solhekol (@SkyKaveh) August 3, 2016
But – and it’s a big ol’ but – Wolfsburg are still unwilling to sell one of their star players. They released a statement essentially saying that he was not for sale during this transfer window.
However, it should be noted that the below quote that is being circulated is actually almost a month old.
Wolfsburg director Klaus Allofs on Julian Draxler wanting to leave: "It’s 100% certain he will stay. There is no discussion about it."
— Kaveh Solhekol (@SkyKaveh) August 3, 2016
Draxler is already unhappy – is this statement really going to help matters?
What we don’t know
- Whether Wolfsburg and Draxler can come to an understanding, forcing the 22-year-old to stay.
- If the German team are just bluffing about him not being for sale in order to get a higher price.
- If Draxler actually wants to sign for Arsenal and vice versa.
- How much it’ll cost to bring him to north London and if we’re willing to pay it.
I’m personally not convinced we’ll sign him but Arsene Wenger has been a fan of his for a long time. Would he be able to pass up the opportunity to sign him?