Podolski says his German compatriot is interested in a switch to the Emirates Stadium.
The transfer of Schalke 04’s Julian Draxler to Arsenal is the rumour that refuses to die as Lukas Podolski adds fuel to the speculation.
The Gunners star has revealed that the Schalke starlet does indeed want to move to the Emirates Stadium, but not with the 28-year-old going the other way.
“Every top-player is interesting for Arsenal and Draxler is one of them,” Podolski told German daily Bild.
“A swap-deal Podolski for Draxler has never been an issue.”
Arsene Wenger is a known admirer of Draxler, who has shot to prominence in the Bundesliga in the last few years and is considered to be one of the brightest, young talents in European football.
There is a release clause in the 20-year-old’s contract that would allow the German to leave for £37m, but as yet no club has triggered it.
Bayern Munich are also thought to be interested in the forward, who already has Champions League experience and 10 caps for Germany, despite still being so young.
Draxler is a product of the Schalke youth system – like current Arsenal star Mesut Ozil and Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer – and broke into the first team in January 2011.
Since then the attacker has played 137 times for the club in all competitions and has scored 26 goals and provided 27 assists.
Many have compared Draxler to Robin van Persie at the same age and think that like with the Dutchman, Wenger can develop the Germany international to become a world-class striker.
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