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Arsene Wenger is making a last-ditch push for Arsenal’s No1 target Julian Draxler.

Representatives of the Gunners are due to travel to Germany to try to push through a January transfer of Schalke’s £35million-rated midfielder.

The clubs are expected to hold talks, but the Bundesliga side are reluctant to sell even though it is understood Draxler is keen on the switch.

We revealed earlier this month that Arsenal see the 20-year-old as having major potential as a striker in the future. Wenger converted Robin van Persie into a centre-forward after buying him from Feyenoord in 2004.

It remains unlikely that Schalke will sell Draxler in January, but Arsenal are making one last concerted effort this week for a player who could give their title charge a major shot in the arm.

The Premier League-leading Londoners also know they would face more competition for the player in the summer and want to tie a deal up now.

Meanwhile, Wenger is expected to confirm the signing of his new contract in the next fortnight.