Gunners agree Draxler deal.
Arsenal have agreed to meet Julian Draxler’s €45m release clause, according Tuttomercato.
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The Italian source says the Germany international playmaker could now fly to London in the coming days to speak with Gunners boss Arsene Wenger.
The North London club have long been linked with a move for Draxler, 20, who has hinted he would be interested in a move to the Emirates Stadium.
“Schalke have no intention to sell me and my exit clause only takes effect in the summer,” Draxler is quoted as saying by Goal.com last month.
“I have always said English teams are very big clubs and Arsenal is of course one of them,” continued the skilful attacking midfielder.
“Of course I sometimes speak to [Arsenal players] Mesut [Ozil] or Per [Mertesacker] about the team, about the club, and they always have good words and they tell me nice things.
“You never know what happens in the summer but Arsenal is a very, very nice team. They always have very young players, they play attractive football and that’s what I like.”
The young playmaker has spent most of this season on the left wing for Schalke but would prefer to play a number ten role for the Bundesliga outfit.
Tuttomercato says Lukas Podolski will not be used as a makeweight in the deal for Draxler.
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