Rumour: Arsenal boosted in chase for Julian Draxler

Arsenal’s ongoing pursuit of Schalke 04 midfielder Julian Draxler has been given a boost by the news that German giants Bayern Munich have been ruled out of the race for the 20 year-old’s signature, according to The Express.

Draxler, who was amongst a number of targets that manager Arsene Wenger ultimately failed to sign before last Friday’s deadline, has been strongly linked with a summer move to the North Londoners along with several other European heavyweights.

The midfielder has a large release clause inserted in his contract, with most experts believing Wenger has missed his chance as The Frenchman will be unlikely to compete with the financial muscle of the other interested parties at the end of the season.

Reports in Germany suggested that the youngster had opted to join Bayern Munich but The Gunners’ faithful have been given hope after Schalke chairman Clemens Tonnies claimed his starlet will not sign for Munich.

“I can rule out, 100 per cent, that Julian Draxler wants to go to Bayern,” Tonnies insisted.

However, the news comes a matter of days after sporting director Horst Heldt delivered a cryptic statement about a bid from an unnamed club and the furore surrounding the tussle for Germany’s highly coveted star looks like it has a lot of mileage left before it is resolved.