Five realistic destinations for Julian Draxler if he leaves PSG

Paris Saint Germain have stunned the football world with their insane spending spree in this season's summer transfer market. They brought in two high-profile players, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, to the club. The last time we saw something like that was in 2009 when Real Madrid spent a fortune to bring Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo to the Spanish capital.

But, why has this all got to bother Julian Draxler at the Parc Des Princes? Well, simple. The German plays in the same attacking positions as both Neymar and Mbappe. Also with other heavy-weights like Angel Di Maria and Javier Pastore available to Unai Emery, the German is finding it hard to get more minutes on the pitch.

Julian Draxler arrived at PSG in January 2017 from German outfit VfL Wolfsburg. But, it is reported that the 23-year-old is already eyeing an exit from PSG in the coming winter, in search of first-team football.

The World-Cup is fast approaching. With Germany having plenty of attacking talent, Draxler will have to battle a number of stars to reserve a berth in Die Mannschaft's starting XI. He needs to play more to impress coach Joachim Loew.

Given all the above facts, a transfer seems to be the only option for the German to secure first-team action. Let's have a look at five realistic destinations he can consider after PSG.

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#5: Arsenal

Draxler would improve Arsenal in a drastic way.

The Londoners are already facing a crisis at the Emirates. Wenger somehow wriggled Alexis Sanchez out of Manchester City's clutches on the deadline day.

However, this does not guarantee that the Chilean will commit to the Gunners anytime soon. With Arsenal topping the second half of the table, Wenger needs to act quickly to secure a worthy replacement for Sanchez.

Arsenal tried to sign AS Monaco sensation Thomas Lemar with a €92 million bid on the deadline day. But, the French outfit's firm resolve to hold on to the 21-year-old saw the Gunners hit dead end on that front.

Wenger has now reportedly switched his attention to the Columbian winger and Chelsea flop Juan Cuadrado. Cuadrado plies his trade for Italian giants Juventus. The 30-year-old has already clarified his intention to stay in Italy in the years to come.

With both the targets seemingly out of grasp, Julian Draxler's signing would prove to be an absolute coup for the Gunners. Draxler is a two-footed player known for his speed and tact in one-on-one situations. Also, he can play in various positions on the attacking front.

But, Draxler wouldn't prefer joining Arsenal owing to their absence in the Champions League this year. Joachim Loew would pick only the top performers for the starting XI. Hence, playing in the Champions League a must for Draxler this season. Therefore, Arsenal's chances of signing the 23-year-old German have taken a hit. Nonetheless, he would be a great addition to the Gunners if Wenger is able to land him.

#4 Liverpool

Draxler could be a good replacement for Coutinho

Jurgen Klopp's side does show promise, yet it has struggled to keep up with heavyweights like the Manchester clubs on the league table. After their recent 5-0 thrashing at the Etihad, Jurgen Klopp has expressed his desire to dive into the January transfer market for improvements.

Philippe Coutinho's transfer saga was one of the most discussed topics this summer. The wily Brazilian was a subject of three failed bids from the Catalans. Though Coutinho has had to stay at Liverpool, Barcelona are likely to come hawking for him again.

Julian Draxler has an affinity to Coutinho's playing position at Liverpool and could be the perfect replacement for the Brazilian. Liverpool are in the Champions League this year. Also, fellow Germans Klopp and Emre Can could help him with settling in England.

It seems to be a good move for Draxler to consider in the near future.

#3: Tottenham Hotspur

Julian Draxler would be a perfect fit at Tottenham.

The Lillywhites have been in stupendous form since last year, providing some serious competition for titans like Chelsea and Manchester City in the league. The London side finished runners-up in the Premier League last season.

With Tottenham star youngster Delle Alli already rumoured to have fallen out with chairman Daniel Levy over a contract extension, Mauricio Pochettino might as well consider launching a bid for the clever and prolific German.

Tottenham have a tough group in the Champions League this year. It could be a chance for Draxler to impress Loew if Tottenham qualify for the round of 16 this year. Tottenham play an exciting brand of attacking football, and Draxler's blistering pace could be the cherry on the cake for them.

But, it remains to be seen if the London-based side can agree on a fee with PSG because Draxler won't come cheap. They would benefit a fortune from Dele Alli's sale, but Levy doesn't seem to like the idea of spending all of it on a single player.

#2: Borussia Dortmund

A return to Germany might well be on the cards for the 23-year-old.

A move to his home country would nonetheless be a good option for Draxler. With Borussia Dortmund lacking a quality wide-man in the squad, the Germans should consider bringing Draxler back home.

18-year-old Christian Pulisic has been getting first-team chances this season. Draxler's arrival will certainly provide stiff competition for the American, which would ultimate help in the youngster's development.

However, it remains to be seen whether Dortmund can qualify for the round of 16 in the Champions League in a group consisting of Tottenham and Spanish heavyweights Real Madrid. Also, the transfer fee remains a concern for the German outfit if they enter the fray for Draxler.

#1: Barcelona

Draxler will relish the opportunity to play with Lionel Messi at Barcelona.

A chance to play with the greatest player in the world. That's how players look at the opportunity if the Catalans come knocking for them. It is a known fact that Neymar rejected a better package from Real Madrid just to play with Lionel Messi from Barcelona.

The same could hold true for Julian Draxler. He would certainly find it hard to turn down the chance to play with the diminutive Argentine. Ousmane Dembele's recent injury has come as a blow for La Blaugrana, with the nineteen-year-old winger being sidelined for about four months.

Barcelona have already failed to sign Philippe Coutinho and Dembele's injury has further added to Ernesto Valverde's woes. Barcelona would certainly be on the lookout for a winger in the winter and Draxler will be the best option available to the Catalans.

The German would certainly provide the pace and creativity on the left that Barca have missed since Neymar's departure. With Draxler's move imminent in January added to Barca's injury problems, Draxler and Barcelona look like a match made in heaven.