Everton join Arsenal in race to sign winger with £63m release clause

Everton have reportedly entered the race to sign Wolfsburg winger Julian Draxler, according to the Independent.

The Germany international has expressed his desire to leave the Bundesliga outfit this summer and despite having a release clause of £63 million, Toffees manager Ronald Koeman has made an early move for the attacker as he looks to make a marquee addition at Goodison Park.

Despite Farhad Moshiri’s takeover being completed in February and a large transfer budget being available to the Dutchman, the Merseyside outfit have brought in just two players since then – goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg and midfielder Idrissa Gueye during the close season.

Draxler told German newspaper, Bild, on Wednesday: “I have expressed myself clearly to [coach] Dieter Hecking that after the Euros I want to leave Wolfsburg.”

Everton could face competition from Premier League rivals Arsenal though, with Arsene Wenger looking to add a forward to his squad and being known to be a long-term admirer of the 22-year-old.