Could Arsenal yet wrap up this huge £35m deal?

Despite Arsenal’s pressing need to sign a new striker, all the transfer rumours concerning the club seem to relate to a midfielder: Schalke 04’s Julian Draxler.

In most cases, this would be deeply frustrating for fans. Arsenal are in with a good chance of winning the Premier League this season, but will make life very difficult for themselves by refusing to add another striker to their ranks.

Olivier Giroud has had to lead the Gunners’ line alone this season, with fleeting appearances from the likes of Theo Walcott and Nicklas Bendtner providing brief rest-bit. As good as the Frenchman has been, relying on him until the end of the season would be a mistake. Arsene Wenger needs to be able to account for injury or lack of form.

So yes, spending all this time chasing a midfielder makes it seem like Wenger has lost all sense of priority. But given that Julian Draxler is the player in question, it’s hard to get too upset. This boy is rather special, after all.

The Mirror claim that Arsenal are working hard to try and push through a £35m deal this January. The hope is that they can get terms agreed soon and try to avoid all the competition for his signature that will doubtless arise during the summer. If that’s the case, then this could end up being a rather smart deal indeed, even if it costs the club a fortune.

Given Draxler’s excellent goal-scoring form in Germany, there’s even been talk about Arsene Wenger looking to convert him into a striker upon his arrival at the Emirates (a feat he pulled off with Robin Van Persie). If that’s the case, then Draxler could fill in as a centre-forward when necessary this season and when Giroud’s fit and playing well, could slot back into the midfield.

Arsene Wenger has always appreciated versatility in his players and Julian Draxler will certainly offer this. But he’ll offer much more besides it: he’s got pace, he’s got technique, he can pass and he’s a force in front of goal. He’s essentially the complete attacking-minded footballer.

And he’s still so young. At just 20-years-old, he’s already so well rounded and so highly regarded. It’s easy to see why Arsenal are interested.

With all this in mind, I wouldn’t be upset to see the Gunners make this deal happen, even if they do have seemingly more pressing concerns.

What’s your take? Should Arsenal sign Julian Draxler, or do they need to buy an out-and-out striker?

Source: The Mirror

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