Per Mertesacker wants Arsenal to sign ‘great talent’ Julian Draxler

Per Mertesacker has urged Arsenal to sign “great talent” Julian Draxler from Schalke in the January transfer window.

The 20-year-old midfielder, who is reported to have a £37m buyout clause in his contract, has been heavily linked with Arsenal and Chelsea in recent days.

He would be very welcome here. I’m excited to see what happens

Per Mertesacker

And Gunners defender Mertesacker admits that he would love to see Draxler secure a move to Emirates Stadium.

“He is a great talent,” Mertesacker said. “He has already make a big impact at Schalke and in the German national team, despite his young age.

“He would be very welcome here. I’m excited to see what happens. You hear a lot of rumours this time of year.”

Draxler has four-and-a-half years remaining on his current deal after the midfielder penned a new contract in May 2013.

Despite the increasing speculation over his future, Schalke general manager Horst Heldt insisted that the Bundesliga club are yet to receive any offers for the Germany international.

“There are no offers from not a single club,” Heldt said.