Rumour: Liverpool join race with Arsenal and Chelsea to sign Schalke midfielder Julian Draxler

Julian Draxler

Liverpool are the latest club to wade into the transfer saga surrounding Julian Draxler. The Daily Mail report that manager Brendan Rodgers travelled to Germany to watch Draxler in action for Schalke in the Champions League this week. Draxler starred as Schalke defeated Basel 2-0 to progress to the next round of the competition and Rodgers is rumoured to see him as a long term successor to Steven Gerrard.

Draxler’s displays have won the 20-year-old a host of admirers from around Europe, including Premier League clubs Arsenal and Chelsea. The midfielder -who is comfortable as an attacking midfielder player- has impressed in the German side’s Champions League campaign, scoring three times in six fixtures.

Liverpool would appear to be at the back of the queue as far as Premier League interest in Draxler is concerned. The German has previously welcomed Arsenal’s interest in him, describing the good things that he heard from the Gunner’s German contingent, whilst the Mail allege that Chelsea are willing to use unsettled winger Kevin de Bruyne as a make-weight in any deal.

If Rodgers were to move for Draxler, then he would fill the void left by captain Steven Gerrard’s move to deeper midfield positions. Draxler operates as a number 10, but is said to have grown frustrated at a lack of playing time in his favoured position at Schalke and is keen on a move.

Rodgers saw Draxler score one goal, set up a chance and successfully beat his man five times against Basel.

Draxler Take Ons v Basel