Arsenal: Julian Draxler the needed statement of intent

Julian Draxler and Arsenal has been a transfer rumor for what feels like forever, with the German man linked to Arsenal even before he left Schalke. Now with Neymar’s astronomical transfer to PSG, the 23-year-old finds himself lost in the Brazilian’s shadow, but will Arsenal finally sign him??

Arsene Wenger and transfer rumors are something of a rarity, especially in the years prior to Mesut Ozil arriving. Even after the former Real Madrid man arrived at Arsenal, the Gunners were always linked with a myriad of players, although few ever made the switch. Julian Draxler was one of those few, with rumors going so far as to even say that the German attacker had come to London to discuss a move.

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However, when your manager compares such rumors to a UFO sighting, it’s not exactly the most promising sign that a new player is on his way. So things remained as they were, and Draxler proved himself at Schalke before moving on. Now, depending on who one believes, Julian Draxler could be on his way out from Paris this summer and that makes it the perfect moment.

According to L’Equipe, the German attacker has been told that he is no longer needed at Paris Saint-Germain, less than eight months after his move from German side Wolfsburg. But then there are the other rumors, that PSG manager Unai Emery is not willing to let the 23-year-old leave, and that Draxler is still a big part of his plans.

With Arsenal’s chase of Thomas Lemar going absolutely nowhere, as Monaco are adamant in not selling him, Draxler is the next-best option. But while Lemar is still establishing himself as a player, Draxler has already established himself and that’s exactly what Arsenal needs.

Draxler is someone who can make a statement of desire from the Gunners, something Lacazette did on his arrival. Signing the Frenchman after three long years of chasing him showed Arsene Wenger’s aggression and evolution but if he somehow manages to bring in Draxler that changes things.

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Despite being just 23 years old, Draxler has already made himself a force, even winning the World Cup. He’s been a major player on all three teams: PSG, Schalk, and Wolfsburg. And despite not playing consistently for the Parisians, Julian Draxler has still managed to score goals and create chances for the team.

However, while contracts are still winding down on Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez and even Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, hope at the moment is low, despite winning the FA Cup. But if Wenger manages to convince both the Chilean and the German playmaker to stay and sign someone of the caliber of Draxler, Arsenal’s attack becomes a potent, lethal force of nature.

As of right now, the Gunner’s attack fires sparingly and barring Alexis Sanchez, there’s no-one there to punch a hole in the opposition’s defense. While Lacazette will need time to adjust to the physicality of the English game (which shouldn’t take too much time given his first Premier League game), Ozil is the only remaining option.

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The German playmaker does have his moments but as his haters have pointed out he does (as much as I hate to point it out) disappear in big games. Arsene Wenger is extremely reluctant to replace Ozil even at his worst, but having someone like Julian Draxler available would give Wenger the choice and the 23-year-old would be the perfect replacement.