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Arsene Wenger is trying to do a £35million deal for German whizzkid Julian Draxler - so he can turn him into the new Robin van Persie.

Arsenal manager Wenger accepts that they may have to wait until the summer, but enquiries have been made to Schalke about trying to land the Gunners' No.1 target this month instead.

Wenger sees major potential in converting the 20-year-old Draxler from an attacking midfielder to a centre-forward.

In 2004, Wenger bought van Persie - then a wide player and attacking midfielder - from Feyenoord and transformed him into an out-and-out goalscorer who has become one of the most lethal strikers in the world.

We revealed last summer that Wenger tried to do a deal for Draxler in August. However, it was widely thought the £42m signing of Mesut Ozil from Real Madrid would end their interest in his Germany team-mate.

Now though, Arsenal have stepped up their pursuit of Draxler again and believe there is a chance he will arrive this month to strengthen their challenge for domestic and European trophies.

Opinion:

Draxler has a buy-out clause of around £35m, but it would still need a lot of work for a deal to be done and for the player and Schalke to give it the go-ahead.

Seen in Germany as one of their best attacking midfielders, Draxler can also operate wide - the position where Van Persie made some of his early Gunners appearances.

Wenger is an admirer of Draxler’s footballing intelligence and skill and believes he would fit into Arsenal’s team pattern.

The role envisaged for him could also mean him playing alongside Olivier Giroud up front, rather than replacing him.

There is a realisation at Arsenal that making a big splash in the market ove the next fortnight could boost their title chances.

But the one thing Wenger is not prepared to do is compromise and sign a striker who is not at the top of his shopping list.

Arsenal were given encouraging noises about Draxler in the summer and believe they may be able to tempt him to join their squad's German contingent.

Per Mertesacker, who is set to sign a new deal, often captains the team when Thomas Vermaelen is not selected and Mikel Arteta is out. Draxler also knows his countrymen Ozil, Lukas Podolski and Serge Gnabry.

This latest development again shows that Wenger is planning for the long term future, and while the manager's new contract is not sorted out yet, Arsenal are convinced it will be done soon.