Arsenal Midfield Target Rules Out Dortmund Switch

Reported Arsenal target Julian Draxler firmly denied he will move to Borussia Dortmund at the end of the season.

The highly-rated German has enjoyed a remarkable campaign with the Bundesliga side after making his debut for the club last season, with performances that have quickly seen him linked with moves to Europe's biggest clubs.

After Bayern Munich agreed a deal to sign Dortmund star Mario Goetze by meeting the midfielder's release clause last week, a host of players have been touted as a possible successor to the Germany international, with Draxler's name high on that list.

Dispelling talk of a move to Jurgen Klopp's side, the 19-year-old has firmly denied that a move to the Wastfalenstadion is imminent this summer, but did not confirm whether he will still be a Schalke player next season. "Some of the rumours have been taken for face value, which has made me sad," Draxler is quoted as saying in Kicker. "I can promise to all that I will not play for Borussia Dortmund."

As the teenager continues to notch up eye-catching performances, Schalke have repeatedly found themselves forced to play down talk of a move, with the club's general manager Horst Heldt last week denying the existence of a buyout clause in the midfielder's contract, suggesting it would take a bid of €100 million to tempt them into doing business.

The Gunners have been linked with a slightly more sensible bid of £15 million, but will likely have to seriously increase their offer in any attempt to lure another of Germany's talented youngsters away from the Bundesliga.

Draxler's influence in Schalke's side has grown significantly throughout the season. The January departure of Lewis Holtby to Tottenham Hotspur and the acquisition of Brazilian winger Michel Bastos enabled Draxler to take his favoured attacking midfield position, much to the benefit of the club who currently occupy fourth place in the Bundesliga.

Jens Keller's faith in the youngster has paid dividends, with the club likely to secure another Champions League spot, chances that were significantly boosted with a 4-1 win over Hamburg at the weekend. Former Arsenal and Liverpool target Klaas Jan Huntelaar was in inspired form with a hat trick during the win, but Draxler's contribution throughout the campaign has not gone unnoticed, having bagged 11 goals for himself.