Arsenal Face Stiff Competition in Race to Sign German Teen Sensation – Report

Arsenal will have a major battle on their hands to sign highly-rated Schalke midfielder Julian Draxler after it was reported that a host of Europe's biggest clubs are also chasing the teenager.

German newspaper BILD has reported that there are along with Arsenal; Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City are also keen on the midfielder. But there is not just interest from Premier League sides as AC Milan, Internazionale and Real Madrid are also believed to have expressed an interest.

The 19-year-old has come through the Schalke youth academy and has already made close to 100 appearances in all competitions for the Bundesliga side.

Draxler has scored four goals in the league this season and has particularly impressed while playing in the Champions League as he helped Schalke finish top of the group, ahead of Arsenal.

The north London club witnessed first-hand the talent of Draxler and will also have taken note of how well his former teammate Lewis Holtby has adapted to life in the Premier League at Tottenham.

Should Arsenal decide to pursue their interest in the German international then it will be vital for them to qualify for next season's Champions League, especially with Manchester United and City looking certain to gain there place in Europe's elite competition.

Schalke will certainly not want to lose one of their brightest young talents but they may be concerned that he could be tempted by a move to one of these huge European clubs.

The Gelsenkirchen club may still be competing in the Champions League but their league form has dipped and they currently find themselves down in ninth place, some 27 points off runaway leaders Bayern Munich.

Schalke general manager Horst Heldt admits that he is aware of interest but claims he is unconcerned as Draxler is under contract until 2016.

"There has always been reported interest from international clubs," Heldt told BILD. "And now we have had inquiries for Julian. But this is not a topic for us. A sale is not up for discussion."

Should Arsenal pursue their interest then they will be hoping that Draxler could be persuaded by the fact that his two international colleagues, Per Mertesacker and Lukas Podolski, are both at the club.