Wolfsburg star Julian Draxler has confirmed his desire to leave the club this summer, and his comments will undoubtedly alert Arsenal to his situation.
The German international joined the club in 2014 and signed a five-year contract. However, it doesn’t appear as though he’ll see out that deal, with a move elsewhere now looking likely.
In an interview with Bild, he has responded to claims from manager Dieter Hecking that he wouldn’t be leaving this summer by trying to clarify the situation from his perspective.
“One could have talked to me personally before making public declarations. After the Euro 2016 I clearly said to Dieter Hecking that I want to leave Wolfsburg. The coach is aware of that for the past three weeks.
“I am surprised that matters regarding my [future] are being communicated in the media. I expected that to go differently. For example that someone approaches me and asks me for my views instead.
“When I transferred to Wolfsburg in 2015, we had a verbal agreement that I can leave the club when a possibility emerges. With Dieter Hecking as well as Klaus Allofs. It was obvious that Wolfsburg showed me a good perspective back then, but also served as stepping stone.
“It was set between all persons involved that I could leave for an international top club when the chance presents itself. It was agreed that we would have reasonable talks, if other clubs show interest.”
The 22-year-old is considered one of the top talents in European football, and he furthered established his reputation in 35 appearances in all competitions last season as he scored nine goals and provided eight assists to build on his impressive spell with Schalke previous to that.
In turn, his latest comments now suggest that he will push for a move elsewhere, and with various sources suggesting that Arsenal are now the favourites to land his signature, as noted by Eurosport UK, it remains to be seen whether or not Arsene Wenger can get a deal done.
Arsenal have been relatively underwhelming in the transfer market thus far, with Granit Xhaka arriving earlier this summer as their only new marquee arrival.
Both Takuma Asano and Rob Holding have also joined the club, but ultimately the supporters will be hoping for much more between now and the deadline.
Albeit a player that can play in positions that Arsenal are well covered in, there is no denying that Draxler would be a major addition to the Gunners squad and it appears as though based on his comments above that he would welcome a move to the Emirates this summer.