EXCLUSIVE: Arsenal still set to offer £37m for Draxler despite Schalke wonderkid's injury blow



Arsenal will not be deterred from launching an audacious £37million move for Julian Draxler this month despite the German wonderkid needing specialist treatment for a ruptured tendon.

Arsene Wenger has been strongly linked with an imminent bid for Schalke’s attacking midfielder, and there were even suggestions he could be heading to London for a medical this week.

But Sportsmail can reveal that the 20-year old is heading to Munich, instead, for treatment to a ruptured tendon that will keep him out until March.



VIDEO: Scroll down to watch Arsenal target Julian Draxler show off his skills



London calling? Arsenal are looking to bring in £37m-rated Schalke star Julian Draxler

Transfer solution: Arsene Wenger has a shortage of strikers, and could mould him into a lone frontman

High praise: Schalke wonderkid Draxler (left) shares similarities with former Arsenal man Robin van Persie

Arsenal are ready to splash out on the German wonderkid whom they believe can be the next Robin van Persie and the injury concerns are not a concern.

They are prepared to meet the release clause for Draxler, 20, who has been identified as a priority target for the Gunners after an intensive scouting drive.

Arsene Wenger’s staff believe Draxler, who plays as an attacking midfielder for Schalke, has the attributes to play as a lone centre forward.

Arsenal think Draxler has similar qualities to those of Van Persie and Thierry Henry, who arrived in north London as wingers but became prolific goalscorers.



Schalke bosses have admitted they are powerless to stop him moving, once his 45million euro release clause is met.



Main man: Van Persie had several successful years with the Gunners before his move to Manchester United

Talented: The deal - which may be carried out in the summer - nearly reaches the £42.5m paid for Mesut Ozil

Even though it only kicks in once the season is over, general manager Horst Heldt conceded that a bid of that amount this month would be impossible to turn down.

He is not expecting it to materialise now, however, after booking Draxler in for an appointment with renowned specialist Hans-Muller Wohlfahrt in Munich on Thursday.

Having failed to land Luis Suarez or Wayne Rooney last summer and with limited cover, Wenger has made signing a new centre forward a priority.

Olivier Giroud made a goalscoring return from a knock in the 2-1 win against Aston Villa on Monday night, but there is a risk should the Frenchman pick up a serious injury.

Nicklas Bendtner could be out for another three weeks, while Lukas Podolski has struggled for form since returning from his fitness struggles.

Arsenal have also been linked with Real Madrid poacher Alvaro Morata in this transfer window.

No 1: But there is a lack of cover for Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud

The delay is also likely to scupper Schalke’s hopes of financing a January move for their former midfielder Lewis Holtby.



They are keen to take him back to the Bundesliga, after being alerted to a clear signal Tottenham are ready to sell, but need cash from the sale of Draxler to fund it.



They may now explore the possibility of taking Holtby on loan for the rest of the season, with a view to a permanent transfer in the summer.



