Should Arsenal look to sign Julian Draxler in January?

Julian Draxler

Over the past few days, only one transfer rumour has been on the lips of every football fan, journalist and pundit: that of Juan Mata‘s move to Manchester United. However, while the saga has been dragging on, rumours of another potential big-money move has been going around i.e. Julian Draxler to Arsenal.

The young German is considered one of the country’s brightest young prospects and although he signed a new contract in the summer, a release clause of €45 m was reportedly inserted in the contract, meaning a transfer cannot be ruled out at any moment. And if rumours are to be believed, Arsenal are in pole position to sign him.

But should the Gunners look to secure the German’s services this month? Draxler’s talent cannot be denied. The youngster has stepped his game up massively since the departure of German international Lewis Holtby and has quickly established himself as one to watch out for in the future.

Given his style of play, he would be an excellent addition to Arsenal (or any other club for that matter). However, signing him in January might not be the wisest of moves. Since he has a release clause in his contract, it’s safe to say Schalke won’t settle for anything lower than the stipulated €45 m.

Pursuing him in the summer won’t change that; Arsenal will have to meet his release clause. So money isn’t the issue. But paying that large a sum for a player and expecting him to settle in quickly so as to be instrumental in Arsenal’s title challenge is asking a little much of a player who, despite having loads of untapped potential, is still slightly raw.

The fact that he hasn’t exactly been in flying form this season (he hasn’t been poor, but he hasn’t been exceptional either) would make it even harder for him to adapt quickly. Mesut Ozil didn’t take too much time to settle in but he has plenty of experience at the top level and is already considered one of the best attacking midfielders in the world.

Another factor to consider is that Draxler will be cup-tied. Signing cup-tied players isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but Draxler isn’t exactly someone Arsenal desperately need right now; even without Theo Walcott, they have enough players to get to the end of the season.

Arsene Wenger would be better advised to sign a striker right now as their back-up strikers are Nicklas Bendtner, Yaya Sanogo and Park Chu-Young. For a side that has title aspirations, that doesn’t seem like ideal squad depth.

All this being said, Arsenal should definitely look to sign the German in the summer. He needs to be moulded but Wenger is an expert of moulding talented youngsters with potential. He will also have the added luxury of going on pre-season tours with the squad, allowing him to settle in with his team-mates.

Wenger would be foolish to pass up on the opportunity to sign one of the best young attacking midfielders in the world (based on potenial, at least). However, a Janaury move might not be the wisest moves on his behalf.