Per Mertesacker would Welcome Julian Draxler at Arsenal

Arsnal defender Per Mertesacker has urged Arsene Wenger to sign Julian Draxler, stating that his arrival will give them a much needed boost in the race for the title.

The Gunners have been linked with a £35m move for the German and Wenger is pushing to get the deal done in January so as to supplement his title challenge.

Arsenal are in the market for a striker, with Olivier Giroud currently their only outlet up front following injuries to Theo Walcott and Nicklas Bendtner. The north Londoners have been linked with moves for Diego Costa, Mario Mandzukic and Dimiter Berbatov but are yet to make a proper approach thus far.

Draxler's arrival will strengthen their already strong midfield but Wenger is reportedly planning to convert him into a striker in the same ilk as Thierry Henry and Robin van Persie.

The 20-year-old has the physical attribtes to play up front and under Wenger he will have a mentor who can oversee his development and use his experience to convert him into a lethal forward.

Mertsacker believes that a move to Arsenal will exemplify his talent and help Arsenal achieve greater things in the future. Should he arrive, he will be the fifth German in the Arsenal ranks alongside erge Ganbry, Mertesacker, Lukas Podolski and record signing Mesut Ozil.

"He [Draxler] is a great talent. He has already make a big impact at Schalke and in the German national team, despite his young age. He would be very welcome here. I'm excited to see what happens. You hear a lot of rumours this time of year," Merteacker said.

The Gunners broke the bank to sign Ozil last summer from Real Madrid, for a record fee of £42.5 and are financially more stable than they were before they shifted to the Emirates.

With the likes fo Aaron Ramsey, Jack Wilshere, Kieran Gibbs and others stepping up to the ocassion, the Gunners have a foundation to build on and acquisitions by the likes of Draxler is expected to take them all the way.