Transfer talk: Arsenal target Julian Draxler slams Wolfsburg, wants to leave; PSG and Sevilla latest

EPA

Arsenal-target Julian Draxler says he wants to leave Wolfsburg, just 12 months into his five-year contract — slamming the Bundesliga club’s coach and sports director in the process.

The 22-year-old Germany winger joined to much fanfare last August for 35 million euros ($39m) from Schalke, the club which nurtured him through their academy to become a Germany international.

But with four years left on his contract, Draxler wants out and has gone on the offensive, claiming he told coach Dieter Hecking and director of sport Klaus Allofs three weeks ago of his wishes, although the pair have publically said he is staying.

“Before committing yourself publicly, one should speak to me first,” Draxler, who has made 24 appearances for Germany, fumed to daily newspaper Bild.

“As far as I am concerned, I expressed myself clearly after (last month’s) European championships to coach Dieter Hecking that I want to leave VfL Wolfsburg.

“The coach has known that for three weeks.”

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There are rumours the Gunners want to sign Draxler, who is very surprised “that for weeks now things have been communicated about me in the media” - and the fact Wolfsburg have failed to qualify for Europe next season is an obvious factor.

“I expected something different, for example that someone came to me and asked: ‘how do you see things’?” he added.

The highly-rated winger says there was an gentleman’s agreement between him and the Wolfsburg’s bosses that he could leave if the possibility arose to join a bigger club.

“I was assured verbally when I joined that I can leave if the possibility arises, both from Hecking and from Allofs,” said Draxler.

“It was clear that Wolfsburg was a good prospect, but also a good springboard. It was always clear between all parties that I would like to go to a top club, if the opportunity arises.”

Zidane confirms talks with PSG over Real’s Jese

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane has confirmed Jese Rodriguez could join Paris Saint-Germain before the end of the transfer window but said the forward may return to Spain next summer.

“It’s not a done deal, but it’s well on the way. When we return to Madrid we’ll know more about it,” Zidane said at a news conference in New Jersey on Tuesday, on the eve of Real’s final US pre-season friendly against Bayern Munich.

“They’re a major club and I hope that if all goes well, he returns to Real Madrid, which is home for him. It may perhaps be for a year, after which he’ll return home.

“I think that it’s an ideal club for him because they’re a good team and he’ll get lots of goals there,” he added.

However, French media have reported PSG could look to sign the 23-year-old on a five-year deal in a transfer worth around 25 million euros, contrary to Zidane’s wishes.

Last week, PSG coach Unai Emery indicated a move for Jese was “a possibility” as the French champions look to draft in support for Edinson Cavani up front following the departure of Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Manchester United.

Schalke confirm signing of Sevilla defender Coke

Schalke 04 have agreed to sign Sevilla right back Coke on a three-year contract, the Bundesliga side confirmed on Wednesday.

The 29-year-old spent five years at Sevilla after joining from Rayo Vallecano in 2011 and scored twice in the 3-1 victory over Liverpool in the Europa League final in May.

He also participated in Sevilla’s Europa League triumphs of the previous two years, scoring in the shootout win over Benfica in the 2014 final.

“In Coke, we have signed a very good defensive player with considerable international experience,” Schalke sporting director Christian Heidel said in a statement on the club website (www.schalke04.de).

“Winning the Europe League title three times in a row is a great achievement. He is going to be a part of our side as an important and leading player.”

Coke moves for an undisclosed fee and will wear the number 23 shirt.

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