Acording to Goal, Arsenal’s representatives had flown to Germany to thrash out a deal with Schalke for their 20-year-old prized asset, Julian Draxler. However, they were unwilling to match the £37 million buy-out clause of the German and in the end Schalke refused to sell unless his release clause was met.

Draxler was aware of the interest for his services in January and admitted that he was happy his performances are being noticed this season. He said, “The fact is (Schalke general manager) Horst Heldt had offers for me this winter. I’m happy about that. On the other hand, it shows the respect I enjoy at this club, even if Heldt refuses without me being asked.”

On being probed about his plans for the summer, he revealed, “I haven’t thought that far. The next three months will be difficult, I want to play a better second half of the season with Schalke because I want to play for Germany at the World Cup. That’s the main aim.”

The report also states that Arsenal will reignite their interest in the attacking midfielder in the summer.