Wolfsburg insist want-away Julian Draxler is staying
What you need to know:
- The 22-year-old joined Wolfsburg to much fanfare last August for 35 million euros ($39m) from Schalke.
- He has been linked to both Arsenal and Juventus, but will not be granted a transfer before the current window closes on August 31.
BERLI
VfL Wolfsburg has said their winger Julian Draxler will not be sold in the current transfer window, despite the Germany international having told club bosses he wants to leave.
"VfL Wolfsburg will not transfer Julian Draxler in this current window," said the Bundesliga club in a statement.
"In a meeting, Wolfsburg has again explained to Julian Draxler that they will be not able to meet his transfer request."
The 22-year-old joined Wolfsburg to much fanfare last August for 35 million euros ($39m) from Schalke.
But just 12 months later, and with four years still left on his contract, Draxler made it clear in an interview with German daily Bild this week that he wants out.
He has been linked to both Arsenal and Juventus, but will not be granted a transfer before the current window closes on August 31.
In the Bild interview, Draxler also slammed coach Dieter Hecking and director of sport Klaus Allofs for not having spoken to him before initially telling the media he will stay.
But after clear-the-air talks on Wednesday, Hecking says he expects Draxler to knuckle down before Wolfsburg start the German League season at Augsburg on August 27.
"We had a sensible and constructive conversation — also from Julian's side," Hecking told Sky.
"I have to say that he was very professional throughout the talks and we expect him to remain just as professional."
Having reached the quarter-finals last season on their Champions League debut, Wolfsburg have not even qualified for the Europa League this year.
With their Brazil defender Naldo having joined Schalke, Germany winger Andre Schuerrle switching to Borussia Dortmund and striker Max Kruse signing for Werder Bremen, Wolfsburg could ill afford to let another big name go.
But how much Draxler will feature at the start of the season is down to his attitude now.
"It will depend how quickly Julian's thoughts return to VfL again," added Hecking.
"I hope he will put in some performances, because he is definitely an important stabilising factor for us."
