Why Arsenal need a playmaker like Julian Draxler
According to Fussball Transfers (h/t Football.London), Arsenal have contacted PSG over the availability of their midfielder Julian Draxler.
Draxler’s current contract with the Ligue 1 champions is set to expire next summer and the report suggests that they are trying to sell the midfielder in the next transfer window to avoid losing him for free next summer.
This has boosted the chances of Arsenal, who for quite some time have had Draxler on their radar. With PSG ready to offload their German playmaker, Arsenal have now made an approach for their long-term target.
Draxler, on the other hand, has had a difficult campaign so far. He sustained a foot injury and virus infection that has kept him out of the side for the most part of the season.
Despite that, Draxler has impressed when given a chance and has provided five assists from just 11 league outings. The versatile midfielder has only featured in 19 matches for the French giants this term. However, he has still managed seven assists, giving a clear indication of the talent that he is.
With the side already well stacked in the middle ever since his arrival from Wolfsburg in January 2017, Draxler has found it hard to nail down a regular spot in the PSG line-up.
Draxler a good replacement for Arsenal veteran Ozil
However, he has been a key player for the Ligue 1 side all these years, making 137 appearances across all competitions. Draxler, also has an impressive 20 goals and 32 assists under his belt, making him one of the top players in Thomas Tuchel’s side.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are in need of a new playmaker to replace veteran Mesut Ozil, whose current contract at the Emirates is set to expire in the next 12 months.
Moreover, considering Ozil’s poor form in recent times, it’s high time they looked for a viable replacement for their 2014 World Cup-winning German. Except for Ozil, Arsenal do not have an experienced creative midfielder in their midst, meaning Draxler’s arrival looks like a welcome sign after all.
Hence, they should up their interests in the PSG star and land him as soon as possible at the Emirates if they are to climb from their lowly 9th place in the table this season.
Read more:
- Why Arsenal should make a move for Ismet Lushaku
- Why Adrien Rabiot would be a good signing for Arsenal
- Arsenal would be quite smart to invest their money on talented 18-year-old defensive prospect Dennis Gyamfi
Verdict
With PSG ready to offer Draxler and Arsenal keen to add a playmaker to their side, this seems like the best opportunity for the Gunners. Also, with Ozil looking a shadow of his former self, roping in Draxler could help the side next season. Hence, manager Mikel Arteta should try and bring the German to the Emirates soon.