Transfer news: Arsenal dealt Julian Draxler blow as Schalke announce they have 'no interest' in letting player leave

German youngster seemingly very unlikely to join the north London club this January

Thursday 30 January 2014 18:17 GMT

Schalke's midfielder Julian Draxler celebrates after scoring

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Arsenal's hopes of signing Julian Draxler have been dealt a huge blow by Schalke sporting director Horst Heldt.

Heldt insisted that his club have no interest in selling their star midfielder and that he was convinced the 20-year-old would be staying in Germany.

In a double blow to the Gunners, he also stated that he believed Draxler's longer-term future lay with Schalke as well.

"We are happy to have such a world-class player in our lines. I am very convinced that Draxler will be playing for us in the Rückrunde [second half of the season] but most probably beyond that," he said at a news conference on Thursday.

"We are not interested in letting Julian leave, and he has also not approached us about a transfer."

Arsenal were thought to be keen to sign Draxler this January, sending chief transfer negotiator Dick Law out to Schalke, however Heldt added:

"I checked my office if someone was waiting for me, but nobody was there.

"Of course, there are always other clubs interested in him, and should someone make a serious offer for him, then we as a club have to professionally consider that. That does not only apply to Julian Draxler, but to every other player."

It was thought that Draxler's contract contained a £37m buyout clause, although this was more than Arsenal were willing to play, they hoped to negotiate a lower price.

However Heldt has said this is not the case anyway:

"That agreement was only in place for last year, from now on the transfer fee is up for negotiation."

Although Draxler plays primarily as a winger, it is believed that Wenger is keen to convert him into a central striker in the Thierry Henry mould.

Arsenal are currently having to deal with injuries to several key players, with Theo Walcott out for the season, and Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshire shorter-term losses.

Julian Draxler profile

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