Julian Draxler has reiterated that he stands by his statement about leaving Wolfsburg, putting interested clubs on high alert.
The German international was involved in a disagreement with Wolfsburg during the summer, after stating his desire to leave the German club just one season after joining them. However, Wolfsburg stood firm and refused to let the highly-rated midfielder leave, and Draxler eventually stayed on at the German club.
More recently, Wolfsburg admitted that Draxler could leave in the summer, with club director Klaus Allofs citing a “catastrophic” situation with the player and hinting that he would be allowed to leave in the summer.
Draxler has been having a hard time with the Wolfsburg fans ever since, and he was even booed when brought on as a substitute in Wolfburg’s 3-2 defeat to Hertha Berlin on Saturday. Speaking after the game, Draxler had this to say about his situation and his plans in the summer :
“I don’t think I need to tell anybody what [being booed] does to a person – it certainly doesn’t help you.” he said, according to The Mirror
“There’s no doubt it makes it hard for you to perform on the field.”
He did say that he could understand the fans’ discontent, but once again stated that he had not changed his opinion from the summer.
“I can understand the fans, though. They have every right to do that. I said in the summer the way I feel and I stand by that.”
Although Wolfsburg have said that they will not let Draxler leave in January, they might decide to cut their losses if the situation worsens. Draxler will also fetch a high price, as he is still only 23 years of age and has been impressing a lot of big clubs over the last year.
Arsenal are well stocked in midfield, and have many players who are comfortable playing on the wing. However, Draxler is a very talented player, and at 23, would represent a good investment for the future. He is also a much more consistent performer than the erratic Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Alex Iwobi.
Arsenal could be a much more threatening side with a skillful, creative winger like Draxler and he would provide a major boost to Wenger’s side as they look to challenge for the league title.