Julian Draxler should jump at the chance to join Arsenal

When Julian Draxler put pen to paper on a new contract last summer, tying him to Schalke until the summer of 2018, it was nothing short of a masterstroke from the Gelsenkirchen club.

Then 19, the young attacker had filled the playmaking void left by the departure of Lewis Holtby and led his side's unlikely late push for Champions League qualification, while signaling his intention to spend the best years of his career at the Veltins Arena.

Truth be told, Draxler has always seemed destined for bigger and better things. With an excellent turn of pace, two great feet, a strong physical frame, fantastic close control and ability to finish which belies his tender years, it was obvious that he had the potential to become one of the greatest players the club has ever had.

Eight months on, though, and Draxler's new contract at the club looks to be at risk. After turning down big-money offers from the Premier League last summer, an early-season injury to Klaas-Jan Huntelaar has seen greater emphasis fall on the youngster's shoulders.

He has suffered from the weight of expectation. A series of niggles have impacted his form and the 20-year-old has only contributed one Bundesliga goal. His injury worries came to a head in December and he hasn't yet completed a full training session with teammates this January.