Arsenal to Beat Manchester United to German Playmaker Target - Report

Arsenal are considering a summer approach for Schalke 04 star Julian Draxler. The Express believes Arsene Wenger is eager to begin his summer transfer work, after an eighth consecutive season without a trophy.

The Gunners' boss is believed to have £70m in summer transfer funds to help revamp the Emirates club's first team. The 19-year-old Draxler is rated at £15m and it is understood Wenger is willing to pay the Bundesliga club's valuation, after impressive reports from his scouting network.

The Frenchman will have to move fast though, with a number of Europe's top clubs, including Premier League rivals Chelsea and Manchester United, reportedly tracking the midfielder. He has been in brilliant form this season, with eight goals and two assists from 27 league games.

Draxler has more than three years left on his present contract and Schalke general manager Horst Heldt has confirmed that the German club will look to hold on to their star for as long as possible. The 43-year-old former German international stressed he wanted to hold on to Draxler for as long as possible.

The player has expressed his delight at being linked with top clubs but has also said he is happy with his present club, for now. Meanwhile, his agent, Roger Wittmann, believes the situation could change in June or July.

"Julian has a contract at Schalke and feels well. But football is just football - the question is to answer job of a prophet in June and July," he said.

Aside from the Premier League clubs, both of Spain's heavyweights - Real Madrid and Barcelona - are also believed to be interested. Draxler has acknowledged the duo's interest and said it would be a "dream" to play at either the Santiago Bernabeu or the Nou Camp.

"I'm proud that Real Madrid are keeping tabs on me. Madrid are one of the best clubs in the world and it would be a dream to play for them. I try to watch Barcelona in action each week. I often speak with Mesut [Ozil] about his life in Madrid. He has told me that he's very happy at Real," Draxler told Marca.