Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker has said that the club would welcome the signing of his international teammate Julian Draxler, the Mirror understands.
The Gunners have been linked with a move for the attacking midfielder, who manager Arsene Wenger is keen to mould into a centre-forward very much in the same mould as former Arsenal man Robin van Persie.
The 20 year old has scored twenty-six goals in one hundred and thirty-three appearances for Schalke since turning professional, and has won ten full international caps for Germany, scoring his only goal in a 4-3 defeat to the United States last June.
Staying in Germany, Bayern Munich have ruled out selling Croatia striker Mario Mandzukic, according to Sky Sports.
The 27 year old, who has been linked with a move to the Emirates in recent months, looks set to be offered a new contract at the Allianz Arena despite the European Champions securing a deal for Robert Lewandowski, who will join in the summer on a free transfer.
Meanwhile, Arsene Wenger has revealed that three of his first team squad will remain out of action until the end of month, the Mirror understands.
Mikel Arteta, Aaron Ramsey and Thomas Vermaelen are all set to miss Saturday’s Premier League clash with Fulham and the FA Cup Fourth Round clash with Coventry City the following weekend.
