Arsenal have been given a boost in their pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain forward Julian Draxler after being told he is available in January for £40million, according to The Sun.
The newspaper claim that the Gunners have made contact with the French giants over the 24-year-old pass master, who has been a long-term target for Arsene Wenger.
The Sun report that Arsenal will be allowed to sign the Germany international next month, providing they cough up the asking price of £40million.
It is said that Draxler is viewed as the perfect replacement for Alexis Sanchez, who looks set to leave the club in one of the next two transfer windows.
Arsenal have reportedly indicated that they will only buy Draxler if they sell the Chilean, with his departure looking more likely amid some poor performances.
Draxler is said to be open to a move after he fell out-of-favour at PSG following the arrivals of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe in the summer.
Good move for Arsenal?
Draxler went to PSG as one of Europe’s hottest prospects, but now finds himself firmly in the shadow of several teammates.
While the 24-year-old has made 16 appearances for PSG this term, most of those have come from the bench as his role has been limited massively by new arrivals.
Draxler desperately needs to leave Paris if he is to fulfil his potential, and is at such a crucial age for his career development.
Arsenal would offer him an almost-guaranteed starting spot, in a league where he can develop greatly as a player, and £40million in today’s market represents a pretty good deal.
This is Futbol rating:8/10
Likely to happen?
The Gunners have seemingly been linked with a move for the young German for years, and now looks like a time when a move may finally materialise.
Draxler is said to be open to a move after several opportunities to join the club in the past, and PSG seem willing to sell the 24-year-old.
The issue here may be price, with the deal seemingly to hinge on a departure for Sanchez.
Arsenal are said to be willing to let him go in January for £40million, but it is doubtful they will get that much, and a deal for Draxler may have to wait until the summer.
This is Futbol rating: 5/10