Bayern Munich’s Manuel Neuer has stated that he was responsible for convincing Julian Draxler to stay at Schalke and reject advances from Arsenal during the January transfer window. Arsenal were heavily interested in signing the 20-year-old, who is one of the hottest properties in European football. There were prepared to pay around £ 37 million – his release clause – in order to sign him. However, the 20-year-old decided to stay at Schalke after rejecting any advances from the Premier league outfit. Ahead of Bayern Munich’s Champions League match with Arsenal, Neuer says that he was responsible for preventing his former teammate from joining Arsenal.
Neuer played along with the 20-year-old during his time at Schalke. Since his move from the German outfit, Neuer has become one of the best goalkeepers in the world. He was an instrumental part of the team that won the treble last season. Now, they are on course to repeating the achievements this campaign as well. They have a 20 point advantage in the Bundesliga table, while coming very close to sealing a spot in the quarter-finals of the Champions League. They are the favourites to win the first leg at the Emirates despite Pep Guardiola still looking for his first win at this stadium as a manager.
“Since Julian is so young, I think he will remain playing for Schalke in the coming years. He has experienced a lot and knows exactly what he wants. Julian would be well advised to make a gut decision. Julian will do his own thing. He will play internationally with Schalke in the coming years,” said the Bayern Munich goalkeeper to German tabloid Bild. Neuer himself has been linked with transfer rumours in the last few months, but he has stated that he is happy at Allianz Arena. Neuer continues to retain the faith of Guardiola with some impressive performances this season.