“The Draxler situation has been created by the newspapers, not by me. He will stay at Schalke.” (Source: The BBC)
That’s Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger on the the rumours linking his club to Schalke 04’s talented midfielder, Julian Draxler. They also happened to be the words that broke Arsenal fan’s hearts on a disappointing deadline day.
With expectations high, Arsene Wenger instead confounded expectations and signed an experienced international, Kim Kallstrom, who has achieved very little a club level. He also has a back injury that should see him out of action for six weeks.
I can barely contain my excitement.
But let’s get back to Draxler. He is, after all, the man that all Arsenal fans wanted their club to sign.
The failure to do so has infuriated just about everybody and the media seem keen to suggest that it demonstrates that Arsenal lack ambition.
But did the Gunners really need to sign another midfielder? I’m aware of the injuries issues that are holding the club back, but I can’t help but feel that the likes of Mesut Ozil, Santi Cazorla and Mikel Arteta have enough craft between them to keep Arsenal on top.
Surely signing a striker was a bigger necessity?
Let’s not forget that Arsenal just spent £42.4m on Mesut Ozil. To say that they are a club that lacks ambition is laughable. They may not have the financial resources of Chelsea, or Manchester City, but Wenger certainly seems to be willing to put his money where his mouth is.
What he wont do, however, is be reckless with the club’s resources. If he didn’t sign Draxler, it’s because the time wasn’t right, or because Schalke were holding out for an unreasonable amount of money. If he didn’t sign a striker, it’s because he’s holding out for long-term option in the summer.
The Gunners are still clinging on in the title race. Draxler would have helped, there’s little doubt of that, but that doesn’t mean he would have been worthy of his extortionate price-tag.
It’s up to Arsene Wenger to make the most of the players he currently has. In particular, I’d like to see Mesut Ozil step up and show what he’s capable of. He’s been good so far, but if Arsenal are to claim the Premier League title, he’ll need to be brilliant.
Fingers crossed.
What’s your take? Will Arsenal regret not signing Julian Draxler?
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