Arsenal’s hopes of landing another big-name signing this summer have taken a significant boost, as long-term target Julian Draxler has confirmed he wants to leave current club Wolfsburg. They could face competition, however, from Premier League rivals Liverpool and European powerhouse Juventus.
Draxler only joined the club last summer, but Arsenal have been linked as a potential destination for the German for several consecutive transfer windows. The highly-rated attacker has now stated that he wants to leave for a “top international club”, and Arsenal would more than likely fit the bill.
Bild report that Arsenal have already made contact with the Bundesliga club about a potential signing, though other reports claim Juventus could re-ignite their interest in him after missing out on the player last year. Draxler’s desires have been confirmed even while head coach Dieter Hecking recently stated he would stay with the club.
Hecking said this week: “We won’t comment on every rumour, but we explicitly decreed that Julian will stay with us.”
However, Draxler’s rebuttal was soon to follow, as the 22-year-old confirmed: “One could have talked to me personally before making public declarations.
Julian Draxler rather certain he wants to leave Wolfsburg. Maybe there’s more to shout about for Arsenal in this window after all. #FanVoice
“After Euro 2016 I clearly said to Dieter Hecking that I want to leave Wolfsburg. The coach has been aware of that for the past three weeks.
“I am surprised that matters regarding my [future] are being communicated in the media. I expected that to go differently. For example that someone approaches me and asks me for my views instead.”
Asked whether he had spoken to general manager Klaus Allofs, he added: “We shortly texted. I talked on the phone with coach Hecking. Two days after the semi-final at Euro 2016 I explained my point of view and expressed my wish that I want to leave the club.
Draxler [June 2016] : “I have to admit that, in hindsight, it would have been nice to win the Scudetto and the Coppa Italia.”
“Now I’m back in Germany and things are being communicated via the media rather than with me in person. Now I also wanted to make myself heard.
“When I transferred to Wolfsburg in 2015, we had a verbal agreement that I can leave the club when a possibility emerges. With Dieter Hecking as well as Klaus Allofs. It was obvious that Wolfsburg showed me a good perspective back then, but also served as stepping stone.
“It was set between all persons involved that I could leave for an international top club when the chance presents itself. It was agreed that we would have reasonable talks, if other clubs show interest.”
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