Premier League giants could go head to head for 20-year-old prospect
Arsenal and Chelsea will battle it out for prodigal German attacking midfielder Julian Draxler next summer, after the Schalke confirmed he won’t be leaving in January, reports talkSPORT.
The 20-year-old has scored three goals in Europe already this term, and is unquestionably one of the hottest prospects in world football right now.
Schalke general manager Horst Heldt is adamant Draxler, who would likely cost up to £40m, will stay at the club until the end of the season at least.
“We will retain Draxler. There will be no dramas this winter,” he said.
Arsenal are keen to add another German to their already strong contingent, while Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho doesn’t want another top player to join a rival after missing out on Mesut Ozil in the summer.
Draxler has seven caps for Germany, and is already an integral part of Schalke’s first-team. Unsurprisingly, Real Madrid and Manchester City came in for him over the summer.
“Ultimately, my gut, my heart and perspective were the decisive factor in my decided to stay at Schalke.”
Draxler scored ten league goals in 30 appearances last season, and admits that the guarantee of first-team football at his home club was crucial to his decision, as he hopes to play in next summer’s World Cup.
“Definitely that was one reason. Here I am at a club that continues to build me up,” Draxler said when asked about his chances of going to Brazil 2014.
After the World Cup though, Draxler admits it may be times for him to move on to fulfil his wonderful potential.
“If I get offers again, I’m going to sit back, think and make a decision. I could of course still choose to stay at Schalke. My goal is now is to have as good a season as last, and possibly go one better.”
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