Finally, some real life traction has begun in the Julian Draxler-to-Arsenal rumors as the Gunners’ chief transfer negotiator, Dick Law, is currently in Germany exploring the possibility of a January deal for the Schalke starlet.
The Draxler rumor has followed a path that’s been quintessential Arsenal transfer drama. It began sometime last summer as nothing more than a natural linking – a stylish club looking for a stylish player. Then in December chatter of the German international coming to North London was ramped up the the Mirror, the Daily Mail and other speculation-pumping hyenas (bless their souls) of the footy tabloid world.
When the New Year finally rolled around Goonah’s across the globe snatched their ticket in the transfer deli line and when asked their wish, the request was broad and reasonable: ‘One world-class striker, please.’
‘How about Draxler?‘ the Transfer Voice responded.
‘Er… well… I think he’s an attacking midfielder… but yes, sure, he’ll be great,‘ Goonah’s replied with hopes that, like former Arsenal hitman, Robin van Persie, Draxler could be converted to a striker.
All the while Gunners boss, Arsene Wenger, played it cool. So damn cool, in fact, that when asked about the Draxler-to-Arsenal link he replied: “That is an illusion. There is nothing happening, honestly no. We don’t need to take players on the flanks – we have 17 players on the flanks.”
Best poker face in the game, that Wenger.
Because while the crafty ole Frenchman does have plenty of options in the attacking midfield, he also has some injury concerns, mainly to Theo Walcott, who is out for the season with a cruciate knee ligament rupture. But then there’s also Aaron Ramsey’s setback in rehabilitation from a thigh strain, Jack Wilshere’s ankle problem, Tomas Rosicky’s nose and the four-match ban defensive midfielder Mathieu Flamini picked up for his two-footed challenge against Southampton’s Morgan Schneiderlin on Tuesday.
Then there are the issues up top. Olivier Giroud is tired (even if he says otherwise) and Nicholas Bendtner doesn’t possess the requisite proven quality (even if he says otherwise).
So, to answer the question everyone is asking, yes, Draxler fits into the needs of this Arsenal side.
First and foremost he fits because he is a world-class talent – a 20-year-old with infinite potential to impact the game at a number of positions. Much like Mesut Ozil last summer, Draxler is, at his core, a player that if you can get your hands around him you do it, regardless of whether he’s currently in the exact form of your club’s needs.
Second, Draxler provides the injection of new blood into a squad facing a Champions League and Premier League title run. No, he won’t be able to play in the Gunners’ European campaign, but his ideas and imagination will be there domestically and in training, which will be a huge boost.
Third, Arsenal’s three headed monster could use a kick up. Santi Cazorla, Serge Gnabry, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Rosicky, Wilshere and Ozil have done incredibly well but including Draxler will provide fresh ideas and some much needed rest.
Fourth, and finally, Draxler is capable of excelling in the role of a False 9. It would be a work-in-progress, no doubt about that, but one that few opposing defenses would want to be on the receiving end of.
Which brings us back to the news that one of the best named transfer negotiators ever, Dick Law, is in Germany. The cat is out of the bag, Wenger. Arsenal is at least trying to get this deal done. And the club is just one easy payment of a £37M buy-out clause away from making it happen. The transfer window closes Friday at 11pm GMT/6pm ET.
Tick-tock.
