Julian Draxler: The signing that could make Arsenal Champions

Recent reports have suggested that Arsenal have stepped up their interest in Schalke and Germany’s talented attacker Julian Draxler. The 20-year-old German international has a reported 40m pound buy-out clause in his contract and with Theo Walcott’s recently-suffered long-term injury suggestions point to Draxler being Arsene Wenger’s target in bolstering their attack.

The 20 year old Schalke attacking midfielder has been linked with Arsenal for awhile, and now that the German club appear willing to sell, it's a deal that Wenger should pursue. The Frenchman has already described how Draxler could become the new van Persie, and with Giroud the only out and out striker available for selection, it's an addition the Gunners need. Even with the potential return to fitness of Bendtner, seeing the Dane line up against them is not something that would strike fear into the Premier League's top defences. Draxler however could be an entirely different prospect.

With a midfield featuring technically proficient players like Santi Cazorla, Mikel Arteta and Mesut Özil a player like Draxler should fit in seamlessly. Very much in the mould of an “Arsenal type” Draxler is versatile and has shown he can adapt quickly to changing circumstances and positions. This season Draxler has played on the left, in the middle and on the right and has even been used up top.

In Draxler, Wenger would have an all-rounder who could fill in for any of his attacking players and even be played up top if necessary. Recent trends in German football have shown more coaches willing to play their attacking midfielders up top and the same could be the case for Draxler. There are few players in his generation that have a better instinct for goal and Draxler’s inherent confidence make him an ideal candidate should the necessity arise.

Whether the move will facilitate remains to be seen. Schalke will definitely not want to lose their crown jewel in a season that could see them miss out on Champions League football. However, if the buy-out clause, a reasonable figure considering his talent, is to be believed and his performances in Europe this season are an indicator, Schalke will find it difficult to hang on to him. Whatever the case, Arsenal would be wise to maintain their pursuit of the youngster and do whatever they can to try and make it a quartet of German internationals at the Emirates.

Arsenal are developing a penchant for that wonderful habit that all title-winning teams possess - getting the right result even when you're playing below your best. Saturday's game against beleaguered Fulham was a good example. The Cottagers are hardly in scintillating form, but were resolute enough to stifle the Gunners' thrusts for a good part of the game. Eventually however, Arsenal found a way through. Although it's a good trait to have, struggling performances do also point up the need to add reinforcements to the squad.

Many pundits thought the Gunners early season form would melt away as the long season wore on and injuries started to take their toll. To date that hasn't happened, but if the club are to maintain their title challenge, Arsene Wenger will need to ensure that it doesn't, and that is where Julian Draxler could fit into the equation. Securing Draxler could be the difference between merely another top four finish, or delivering a genuine title challenge.

Arsene Wenger is right to pursue Julian Draxler. The chance to sign a player of his talent does not come around often. When it does, you have to seize it.

What do you Gunners think? Let us know with your thoughts in the comment section below.

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