Transfer news: Arsenal target Julian Draxler is not in Schalke plans for next season, says coach Jens Keller

Midfielder, who has interested the Gunners, has a buy-out clause of £37m

Julian Draxler

Schalke coach Jens Keller has admitted that he is powerless to stop Julian Draxler leaving the club in the summer if his release clause is met, and the player is currently not in his plans for next season.

Arsenal were heavily linked with the playmaker in the January transfer window, and the Bundesliga side's sporting director Horst Heldt had confirmed that they rejected a bid for the 20-year-old last month, but he did not identify which club made the offer.

Keller has revealed that the €45.5m (£37m) buy-out clause for the player can be activated at the end of the season, and while he would love to keep the German international at Schalke, the player will be sold if the price is met.

"I am delighted that we have him on board for the second half of the season but, because of his clause, he can leave when a club puts the money on the table," Keller said.

"That's why I can't plan with him, because it is just not in my or our hands.

"It's a god-awful situation when, as the coach, you don't know whether such an important player will move on.

Keller added: "He's young, but has made over 100 competitive appearances for Schalke. Others don't achieve that in five, six years.

"That's why he is very experienced already, and has shown his superior qualities often enough, although his youth shows in his consistency.

"It's clear that all the talk about his €45.5m release clause and the interest from top European clubs leaves its mark on such a young lad.

"The hype around him last summer was huge. He must learn to cope with that, and also that failing to perform at less than 100 per cent is not good enough for him."