Arsenal suffer blow as Wolfsburg refuse to let go of Julian Draxler

Arsenal have been handed a blow in their ongoing pursuit of signing Julian Draxler after his club Wolfsburg confirmed the winger will not be allowed to leave the Volkswagen Arena in the summer transfer window.

The 22-year-old joined Wolfsburg from Bundesliga rivals Schalke last summer. His performance for Dieter Hecking's side has seen him attract interest from the Premier League. According to the Mirror, the Gunners were ready to make an approach in signing the £55m-rated ($73.3m) star.

The north London club's arch-rivals Manchester United were also interested in signing the German international, claims another Mirror report. Draxler has publicly expressed his desire to leave his current employers in the current transfer window during an interview with German publication, Bild.

This has alerted Arsene Wenger's side and the Red Devils, who are linked with a move to sign him. However, Wolfsburg has issued a warning to their star player that they will not let him leave this summer.

A statement on Wolfsburg's official website said: "VfL Wolfsburg have issued a statement on the interview with Julian Draxler from August 3rd, 2016."

"The Supervisory Committee and the Board of Directors at VfL Wolfsburg Fußball-GmbH feel the need to comment on the interview with Julian Draxler which was published in the 'BILD' newspaper, in order to clarify the current situation and dispel any possible resulting rumours.

"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."

"In joint discussions with Julian Draxler, VfL Wolfsburg again made it clear that they would not be granting the player's wish to make a move. We now consider any possible uncertainties to have been eradicated and that all parties can revert back to a professional and responsible collaboration for the good of VfL Wolfsburg and, in particular, for our fans."