Arsenal GIVEN BOOST In Striker Chase, WORLD CLASS Star Could Be On The Way

Arsenal still have a considerable chance of signing Julian Draxler from Schalke 04 this summer, as frontrunners Juventus are still wavering regarding signing the attacking midfielder.

The Serie A champions will decide tomorrow whether or not they will still sign Draxler before the transfer window closes on September 2.

There were claims Juventus have agreed personal terms with the Schalke star but Massimiliano Allegri’s side are yet to decide whether to go ahead with the move. Juan Cuadrado joined the Turin side from Chelsea yesterday and it was suggested Juventus have dropped their interest in Draxler, as well as Mario Gotze of Bayern Munich due to the Colombian’s arrival.

But if Juventus still go ahead to complete the move, the German will reportedly cost the Turin giants £22m. Draxler, 21, has been plagued by injuries and he sat out most part of last season, registering only one assist in the Bundesliga.

The World Cup winner is now fit again and has featured in all of Schalke’s Bundesliga games so far this season, bagging a goal in the 1-1 draw with SV Darmstadt. Draxler has made over 100 appearances for the Veltins Arena Landlords, having progressed through the club’s youth system.

Although there is still a possibility that the Germany international could still move to Turin, Arsenal have a clear advantage due to Juventus’ dilly-dallying and the Premier League club may swoop for Draxler before the window slams shut.

Draxler’s versatility ensures he can operate in a number of attacking roles. He can play as an attacking midfielder, a winger or a centre-forward. Arsene Wenger can turn the 21-year old into a top striker, just like he did to Robin van Persie who also did not start out as a striker. Arsenal have seemingly lost out in the pursuit of Real Madrid frontman Karim Benzema, who wrote a tweet that those linking him to the Emirates are “clowns” and that he is set to stay at the Bernabeu.

It is left for Wenger and Co. to move swiftly to table an offer for Draxler, as Juventus may still decide to sign the player and if they do they have a better chance to sign the Schalke star than Arsenal.