Jens Lehmann Urges Schalke Star Julian Draxler to Join Arsenal

Former Arsenal keeper Jens Lehmann has urged his compatriot and Schalke star Julian Draxler to join Arsene Wenger to the Emirates.

The 20-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates this month after the north London club reportedly sent a delegation to Germany to seal the deal with the Bundesliga outfit for the transfer of the player.

Draxler has a £37m release clause in his contract and has been constantly linked with a move away from Schalke. The German side's sporting director Horst Heldt has not ruled out a move for the midfielder away from the club before the transfer window shuts on 31 January.

Lehmann claims the attacking midfielder could benefit from the move, should he decides to make a switch to Arsenal.

"I think Julian Draxler is perceived to be one of the greatest, talented young players in Germany. So it would be a good move for him to go to Arsenal," Lehmann told Sky Sports.

However, Lehmann believes the attacking midfielder should make a switch to the Premier League club in the summer as Schalke are still in the race to win the Champions League this season.

"Probably not now in the winter break because he can still play Real Madrid in the Champions League with Schalke. He can see Schalke will be qualified for next year's Champions League," the former Arsenal stopper said.

"With Arsenal, he has a bigger likeness of playing in the Champions League next year, which is quite certain. Of course, it may give him a bigger chance to play at the World Cup with Brazil," Lehmann added.

The 42-year-old's comments come just a day after Arsenal legend Robert Pires advised Wenger to make an approach in bringing Draxler to the Emirates.

Wenger claims that a trip to St Mary's is a difficult place to get three points as Arsenal drew 2-2 against Southampton.

The result has seen the Gunners sit on top of the table with 52 points from 23 games, leading second place Manchester City by two and third place Chelsea by three points as both clubs have a game in hand.

"You want the three points in every game but it is a difficult place Southampton. When you look at our overall record it can happen that sometimes away from home you can take only one point," Wenger told Arsenal's official website.