Arsenal stepping up chase for 27-capped German international

Arsenal could be about to step up their chase for Wolfsburg’s Julian Draxler, as it looks like the German international could be set to leave the club at some stage this season, according to The Sun.

The 23-year-old only made the move to the Bundesliga side last year from rivals Schalke, and impressed in his first season, netting eight times to help the club finish eighth in the top-flight and reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

Impressive performances for Germany at the European Championships in France, including scoring the third goal against Slovakia in the last 16, raised his stock in the summer, and several clubs were linked with a move for the talented winger.

Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.

However, no move materialised, yet the persistent question marks surrounding Draxler’s future appears to have unsettled the youngster this time around, as he has yet to score for a Wolfsburg side that have won just two league games so far this season.

Now, Wolfsburg sporting director Klaus Allofs has admitted that they would deal with the situation differently next time, which could open the door for Draxler to leave the club.

He told German TV: ‘The story doesn’t help him, or Wolfsburg. It was catastrophic for the player.

‘We may evaluate the situation differently, and may do things differently next time.

‘Does this mean letting him leave? Potentially.’

These comments are sure to interest Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, who has reportedly been a long-term admirer of Draxler, in his bid to bring him to the Emirates.

However, he could face competition from Serie A leaders Juventus, who will want to bolster their squad as they go in search of a sixth successive top-flight title.

Although this season has been a struggle for the 23-year-old, there’s no doubting his quality, and a move away and a fresh start could be what he needs to reach last season’s levels once again.