Arsenal to miss out on free Julian Draxler transfer after Mikel Arteta target agrees new Paris Saint-Germain contract

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According to L’Equipe, Julian Draxler has agreed to sign a new, three-year contract with Paris Saint-Germain in a blow to Arsenal’s rumoured summer transfer plans.

The Gunners were credited with interest in a potential free transfer for the German maestro recently (Foot Mercato), with Draxler said to feature on a list of extended options for Mikel Arteta to target.

Arsenal had been alerted to Draxler’s availability amid doubt in his long-term future at Le Parc des Princes due to his previous terms being set to expire in June, and his agent opening dialogue with Bayern Munich over a return to the Bundesliga.

The north London outfit may have faced competition from long-time admirers Sevilla, as well (Foot Mercato), but are unlikely to be presented with a chance to sign Draxler after he accepted a wage cut to remain with his Ligue 1 giant.

Draxler had initially requested a two-year extension but will put pen to paper on a three-year deal worth less than his current €7million-a-season (£116,000-p/w) salary, after Mauricio Pochettino urged Les Parisiens to retain his services.

PSG had sought to offload the German for the previous two years, yet Sporting Director Leonardo agreed with Pochettino to retain Draxler knowing that it would be hard to replace their side’s £30m (Goal) signing in the current financial market.

Draxler’s love for the French capital saw that he agreed on the pay cut despite a vastly more lucrative offer to join Bayern Munich, while becoming an established figure under former Tottenham Hotspur boss Pochettino who showed his confidence in the Champions League.

TBR’s view:

Paris Saint-Germain taking Draxler out of contention for a potential free summer transfer will come as a blow to all of the sides that were assessing moves for the German, but particularly for Arsenal given the doubt in the future of Martin Odegaard (Marca).

Draxler could have provided the Gunners a cut-price replacement for the Real Madrid conductor who has impressed since moving to the Emirates Stadium on loan, with Pochettino praising his ability to link the PSG defence and attack.

“He knew how to read situations when the team needed him,” the Argentine said in February, via quotes by Goal. “He made the connection between the offensive and the defensive on several occasions.”

Pochettino also showed a vote of confidence in Draxler’s ability by starting the 27-year-old in both Champions League quarter-final ties with Bayern Munich and the second-leg of the Round of 16 clash with Barcelona, despite Thomas Tuchel’s prior reluctance to field him.

Pochettino’s admiration now appears likely to thwart Arsenal in the summer market, and secure Paris Saint-Germain the services of one of his key players for the next three years.