Arsenal remain strongly linked to Schalke ’04 midfielder Julian Draxler after the “wünderkid” continues to light up the Bundesliga.

Draxler has hit 3 goals in 12 this season, all of them coming in European competition as Schalke top their Champions’ League group ahead of Chelsea. He also hit 13 goals in 39 games last season, as well as scoring for Germany against the USA in a 4-3 defeat in Washington.

Forcing the issue

The 20-year-old was heavily linked with Arsenal in the summer window, however passed along with a host of other names as the loyal support became restless with the lack of imports. All was forgotten with the signing of Mesut Ozil, a transfer that even the most “in-the-know” of people would not have foreseen, and thus Draxler speculation was largely bypassed.

The German does occupy the same position as a number of players at Arsenal, namely Ozil and the returning Santi Cazorla, with Rosicky, Ramsey and Wilshere all able to fit the creative midfield role.

However Draxler’s potential at just 20 years of age puts him ahead of the current host of Gunners personnel. Having already proved himself in one of the best leagues in the world – the Bundesliga – the man from Gladbeck would no doubt be a stunning coup.

Speedbumps on the transfer road

Yet there are more than a few stumbling blocks in the way of the potential move should Arsene Wenger look to bolster his midfield options.

Firstly, it is obvious that the North London side are unlikely to be the only side vying for Draxler’s signature. Chelsea have been linked as well as Manchester City, both no doubt boasting huge paypackets for the youngster.

Draxler is under contract at the Veltins-Arena until 2018, with a sensational buyout clause of €45million, and Schalke boss Horst Heldt has announced that the whiz kid will be staying put until after the next World Cup at least:

"Julian Draxler will be at our club this season, that is for sure," Heldt told Kicker-Sportmagazin. "There will be no fuss regarding him during the January window, as he is committed to our club."

Along with the damning report from Heldt, Draxler himself seems to be relishing life in Germany and from the outside looking in, seems happy to stay put in what is the fastest growing league on the planet:

"I am focused on playing well for Schalke 04. All the rest is something the general manager will be worried with!"

Having sold creative midfielder Lewis Holtby to Tottenham last January, the German club are increasingly unlikely to sell their “number 10” two years running.

However, after the signing of Mesut Ozil – the shock from which most Gunners have not recovered from – anything is possible at the Emirates.

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