Germany Portraits - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia - Source: Getty
Germany Portraits - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia - Source: Getty
German footballer Julian Draxler has opened up on his failed move to Arsenal and Liverpool. The 32-year-old is happy with how his career has panned out and has no regrets over the failed Premier League transfers.
Speaking to Sport Bild, Draxler admitted that he had the option of joining Arsenal while he was coming through the ranks at Schalke 04. The German now wonders how his career would have shaped if he had worked with Arsene Wenger and said:
"There are several. When I was still very young at Schalke and extended my contract, I could have gone to Arsenal. Honestly, I’d be interested to see what would have become of me if I had learned from Arsene Wenger so early.’
Another manager Draxler wanted to work under was Jurgen Klopp, admitting he would have had the chance to join Liverpool instead of Paris Saint-Germain when he left Wolfsburg. He added:
"I’ve also wondered what would have happened if I hadn’t gone from Wolfsburg to Paris, but to Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool. I had that opportunity, too. Nevertheless, I’m happy. I’m at peace with my decisions."
However, legendary Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger rebuffed claims in 2014 that the Gunners was interested in signing Draxler. He told the media:
"No. That’s like with unidentified flying objects, some see them everywhere. Of course I’m curious, it’s my nature. But the transfer period lasts until January 31… are we close to signing anybody? At the moment I would say no."
Julian Draxler currently plays for Al Ahli, after spells at Schalke 04, Wolfsburg, PSG, and a loan move to Benfica.
Jurgen Klopp wants Arsenal target over Mohamed Salah at Liverpool
Former Liverpool director of research, Ian Graham, revealed in the 'How to Win the Champions League: Liverpool 2019' documentary that Jurgen Klopp wanted Julian Brandt when he joined the club. He claims that the manager was keen on working with the Arsenal target, but the Reds insisted on signing Mohamed Salah and said (via GOAL)
"Jurgen's preferred option for that summer was Julian Brandt, who was a great player. Jurgen would obviously know him very well, coming from the Bundesliga and knowing the German market very well. We agreed that Brandt was a very good young player but not a standout in the same way that Mo was."
"From our data analysis point of view, Mo was the best young wide forward in Europe full stop. Roma were under pressure to sell because their finances were not in a good place so we knew he was available for a good price.."
Brandt was linked with a move to Arsenal again in 2022, while Mohamed Salah has since become a club legend at Liverpool.