Julian Draxler wants out, but Wolfsburg have no intention of letting him go
VfL Wolfsburg are having a rough summer. Center back Naldo moved on to Schalke, Andre Schurrle left for Borussia Dortmund, they just lost Max Kruse to Werder Bremen, and now their two best remaining players Luiz Gustavo and Julian Draxler are being heavily linked to moves away from the club. Draxler in particular has been especially vocal about leaving, but Wolfsburg have come out to say the player will not be sold.
Draxler gave an exclusive interview to German publication Bild on Wednesday, claiming that he handed in an informal transfer request this summer, with Arsenal his preferred destination. In the interview, the 22-year-old expressed his desire to leave the Wolves this summer: "When I moved in August 2015, I was verbally assured that I could leave the club if opportunities presented themselves. It was always clear between all the parties involved that I wanted to go to an international top club if I had the chance."
That chance appears to be now, with Arsenal reportedly having renewed their interest in the Germany international after missing out on him last summer. Wolfsburg refuse to budge though, releasing a statement explicitly stating Draxler would not be allowed to leave.
"VfL Wolfsburg wish to make it absolutely clear that at no time did those responsible at the club make either written nor oral commitments on the transfer of Julian Draxler within the current transfer period, which is due to end on August 31st, 2016."
"This is reiterated by a contractual release clause agreed upon with Julian Draxler and his management, which does not come into effect until summer 2017. VfL Wolfsburg will not be selling Julian Draxler during the course of the current transfer period."
Things can change very quickly in football, but that sounds pretty definitive. That's bad news for Draxler, who might very well be the last big star remaining at the Volkswagen Arena when the dust clears.
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