Back in April, Foot Mercato (h/t The Sun) suggested that Arsenal were keen on signing PSG star Julian Draxler in the summer. However, no such talks have progressed in recent times.
Draxler, 26, reached 100 appearances for Schalke at a very young age and earned a spot in the German World Cup team, which Joachim Low’s side eventually won in 2014. He then moved to Wolfsburg, where he excelled for one and a half seasons. PSG signed him after this.
He immediately became an integral part of the French champions and helped them lift two successive Ligue 1 titles. However, the arrival of Neymar has seen him make limited appearances this term and could be on the move in the summer, with Arsenal keen on the German, as per the report.
Apart from a defensive signing, the manager should also focus on strengthening the midfield. Joe Willock, Mesut Ozil, Dani Ceballos and Matteo Guendouzi are the only forward-thinking midfielders available at Arteta’s disposal.
In that, Ozil was a regular member but his performance has drastically gone down, with him scoring just 1 goal and providing 2 assists and has been left out of the squad in recent weeks.
While Willock has shown encouraging signs, Guendouzi has seen his chances reduced under Arteta and Ceballos is only on loan. Thus, a central midfielder is a must in the summer and making a move for Draxler would be a good choice by the club.
After contributing with 3 goals and 8 assists last season, Draxler has already notched up 5 assists in just 11 games this term. He has also been at his best in the past few seasons and his versatility could be of immense help to Arsenal. However, he has seen limited game time at Parc des Princes this term, and Arsenal should take advantage of his situation in France.
He could provide them with the much-needed depth in the squad, whilst adding creativity to the Gunners attack as a replacement for his former German teammate Ozil. He has already made 410 career appearances and his experience would definitely be a huge boost to the squad. He could be the leader in midfield in the future.
With a lack of experienced players in the midfield, Arteta should bring in Draxler, who is also capable of operating from the wings. He would be a valuable addition to the squad if he is able to replicate the same form he has shown in the past. Thus, the Gunners should reignite their interest in the former Schalke man.
