Rumour: Arsenal front runners in race to sign Schalke midfielder Julain Draxler

Julian Draxler

Arsenal remain the favourites to sign Schalke midfielder Julian Draxler according to Jan Aage Fjortoft, despite his recent drop in form for the German giants.

Jan Aage Fjortoft, the retired former Swindon and Middlesbrough forward, might not have been memorable throughout his playing days but he has now carved out a successful career as a pundit in Germany. He was more up to speed than most with his coverage of Mesut Ozil’s transfer from Real Madrid to Arsenal in the summer, and has now shed some positive light on Draxler’s proposed move to The Emirates via his Twitter account.

Jan Aage Fjortoft claims that flattering glances from some of Europe’s clubs, coupled with his reluctance to play as a striker, has led the Germany international to reconsider his future.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger reportedly gave the youngster a tour of the Premier League side’s training ground recently and he is thought to be keen to link up with the North Londoners growing German contingent that now includes Mesut Ozil, Per Mertesacker, Lukas Podolski and Serge Gnabry.

The Gunners have a host of options within their midfield ranks and the addition of Draxler would help them lay further claims to possessing one of the world’s most dangerous catalogue of playmakers.

The 20 year-old has a well publicised £37 million (€45m) release clause inserted into his contract that will allow him to leave the Bundesliga side at the conclusion of the 2013/14 season. If Fjortoft is right as he has been in the past, Arsenal could be front runners to capture one of Europe’s most coveted talents, although if Wenger will be willing to break the bank for a second time remains to be seen.

Julian Draxler has contributed four assists to Schalke’s team total of 14 this season.

Arsenal still favourite to get Draxler (Clause: summers-45 mill euro) – Impressed by Arsenal training ground – German players #afc crucial

— Jan Aage Fjortoft (@JanAageFjortoft) January 5, 2014

Draxler has had a tough fall due to injuries/lack of form. Looks like attention from big clubs and high expectations have influenced him

— Jan Aage Fjortoft (@JanAageFjortoft) January 5, 2014

Draxler wants to play central midfielder, but ends up playing left and cuts inward with his right foot. #afc #NotAStriker

— Jan Aage Fjortoft (@JanAageFjortoft) January 5, 2014