Draxler unlikely to join Arsenal this summer
Schalke general manager Horst Heldt has insisted he is confident Julian Draxler will stay with Schalke despite Arsenal being linked with a summer move for the Germany international. The 20-year old has been linked with a number of European clubs since impressing in the Schalke side, with Arsenal and Bayern Munich both well backed by Betfair fans of holding an interest in the midfielder.
Arsenal were rumoured to have made a move for Draxler in the closing stages of the January transfer window only to be told in no uncertain terms by the Bundesliga side that the playmaker wasn’t for sale. The North Londoners were expected to make a fresh move for the German at the end of the season, but Schalke have made it clear they are still confident Draxler will still be at the club next season despite Betfair visitors backing the Gunners to sign the 20-year old this summer.
“I definitely believe that he will be staying at our club for the new season. (Draxler) is an important player in our squad, he is playing regular matches and he is doing quite well,” said Heldt.
Draxler has four years left on his current contract with Schalke, although Arsenal would trigger a release clause in the midfielder’s deal if they bid £35million. With a new striker very much top of Arsene Wenger’s shopping list this summer, according to Betfair tipsters, it remains to be seen whether the Arsenal boss will be willing to shell out over £30millon for another midfielder.
Draxler has made 10 appearances for Germany since making his debut in 2012, and the attacking midfielder is expected to be in the squad that sets of for the World Cup in Brazil this summer. Joachim Low’s 23-man squad have been backed by a number of Betfair fans ahead of the World Cup, with some believing the Germans will head to South American as Europe’s best hope of success.
