Mertesacker wants Draxler at Arsenal

The Gunners centre-back admitted that he would love the youngster to join the Premier League club's "German academy", linking-up with the likes of Mesut Ozil & Lukas Podolski

Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker would welcome compatriot and Schalke forward Julian Draxler at the Emirates Stadium.

Goal exclusively revealed on January 11 that the Gunners are weighing up a move for the 20-year-old this month, with Arsene Wenger looking to bolster his attacking options.

Schalke's general manager Horst Heldt has also recently admitted that Draxler could leave, with the player's contract including a release clause believed to be set at £37.8 million.

And Mertesacker, who has become a key man for the north London side, along with fellow Germany internationals Mesut Ozil and Lukas Podolski, believes the youngster would fit in well at the Premier League club.

"We already have a little German academy here and I learned that German discipline and talents are very appreciated here (at Arsenal)," the defender told SPOX.

"We would love to welcome a player like Draxler, he is so young and already plays a huge role in Schalke and in the national team."

However Mertesacker was unable to shed any light on the likelihood of Draxler's arrival, indicating he himself is eager to see what unfolds. 

"There is lots of talking about possible transfers, I am curious about what is going to happen," he added.

Schalke have, as of yet, insisted that they are yet to receive any bids for their attacking star.