Transfer Rumour: Liverpool plotting January swoop for PSG forward Julian Draxler

Liverpool are reportedly planning to sign Julian Draxler in January, having established contacts with PSG over a possible move for the German forward

According to a report in The Sun, Liverpool are ready to ramp up their pursuit of Julian Draxler, having reignited their interest in the Germany international. Arsenal are also keen on signing the PSG forward, and a head-to-head battle seems to be setting up for his services.

Draxler has had quite an eventful career since making his senior debut for Schalke in 2011, and becoming the second youngest starter in Bundesliga history. Since then, he has come a long way, having proven himself to be a key figure, first for Schalke and then Wolfsburg while also establishing himself as a regular for the German National Side.

Earlier this year, Draxler forced a controversial move to PSG, where he quickly became a pivotal member of Unai Emery’s squad, finishing last season with a respectable tally of 10 goals and 3 assists. But, just half a season upon his move to Parc des Princes, things have gone pear-shaped for the player.

The 24-year-old has fallen down the pecking order following the arrivals of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, making just 9 starts in all competitions so far. With just a few more months left for next summer’s World Cup, securing regular game time is of paramount importance for Draxler to remain a regular in Joachim Low’s squad.

PSG, too, are open to offloading the player in order to stray clear of Financial Fair Play troubles. And, there’s no dearth of interest to secure his services, with Liverpool and Arsenal set wage a transfer battle for him in January.

The two clubs have been following Draxler’s progress for a long time, having made attempts to land him previously as well. Liverpool, in particular, tried signing him in January as well, before being beaten by PSG to his signature.

The Reds are in a precarious situation as Philippe Coutinho continues to be linked with Barcelona, with a January exit in the offing. Draxler is, thus, a viable target for the Reds, who could add a burst of creativity and explosiveness from midfield at Anfield.

Meanwhile, Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil are expected to depart from the Emirates, either in January or next summer, and Arsene Wenger is believed to be laying in the succession plan for the duo. And so, Draxler has emerged as one of the latest names to be linked with the North London club.

With his position not improving at PSG, a move away from Parc des Princes is definitely on the cards for Draxler, and it remains to be seen if either Liverpool or Arsenal manage to nab one of their long-time targets when the transfer window reopens in January.