Arsenal have learned that talented German attacker Julian Draxler has a £40 million buyout clause in his contract with Bundesliga team Schalke 04. The Daily Star Sunday reports that, rather than being put off by that figure, Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is prepared to step up his interest in 20-year-old Draxler. Injuries have depleted Arsenal's attacking options over the Christmas and New Year period. Theo Walcott saw his season come to an end when he was stretchered off during the FA Cup win over North London neighbours Tottenham Hotspur with knee ligament damage. Draxler's versatility appeals to Wenger. Jan Aage Fjortoft, who broke the news of the club record bid for Mesut Ozil over the summer, believes the Gunners will add another German to their ranks. Should Arsenal sign Draxler, however, he would not be eligible to play in the Champions League for them after scoring four goals in eight games for Schalke in the competition this term. Provided he is fit this coming summer, Draxler is virtually guaranteed a place in Joachim Low's World Cup squad alongside Gunners pair Per Mertesacker and Ozil. In other Arsenal news, Serie A side Roma have rebuffed an approach for striker Mattia Destro, 22. Attention: Write about Arsenal and get paid! WhatCulture.com are currently looking for Arsenal writers and are offering payment per article. Please email at editor@whatculture.com with your interest.
Jamie Clark is a qualified Web Journalist after undergoing professional training at the University of Sheffield. A prolific and accredited sports writer, he also enjoys classic comedy, historic fiction, 80s music and heritage.
