3 Julian Draxler Alternatives For Arsenal To Look Into

Arsenal’s move for Schalke sensation Julian Draxler has been dealt a double blow- Draxler has been injured and while that may not deter the Gunners, cross-town rivals Tottenham could scupper Draxler’s Arsenal transfer by holding up Lewis Holtby deal. However, Arsenal can look towards the market at these three alternatives to the explosive German.

3. Sebastian Giovinco (Juventus)

A report in the Express suggests that Arsenal have held preliminary talks with Juventus over a move for Sebastian Giovinco who has been on Arsenal’s radar for some time. There are suggestions that the Gunners have already spoken with the player’s agent, Andrea D’Amico about a possible loan move, with Juventus reluctant to sanction a permanent deal. Giovinco is keen to boost his playing time ahead of the World Cup and a loan deal would suit both parties just fine.

Giovinco has the potential to be a great fit at Arsenal, as we discussed last week, and his versatility in attack would gel nicely with Arsenal’s fluid approach. Giovinco has both created and scored goals during his time at both Juventus and at Parma on loan and for a versatile attacker of his ilk, he does possess a decent strike rate. The short term deal would allow Arsenal to look at Draxler once he is fit and the market is more open in the summer, besides a forward is what Arsenal are in dire need of than Julian Draxler.

2. Javier Pastore (Paris St. Germain)

Arsenal had reportedly enquired about the availability of PSG’s Javier Pastore towards the end of the summer transfer window, and it might be worthwhile to have another look at the Argentine. Pastore has failed to set the world alight in Ligue 1 and has struggled to get into the team on a regular basis and has managed just seven league starts and five substitute appearances this season. The Daily Star have linked Pastore with a loan move to the Premier League, and he could be the right fit for Arsenal’s game.

Wenger  could look to sign him on loan, with a summer transfer in case he’s able to adapt to life in the Premier League, failing which he can always go back and make another approach for Draxler. Pastore’s silky dribbling and eye for goal would make for the perfect complement to Arsenal’s brilliant attacking duo Mesut Ozil and Santi Cazorla, and their interplay could leave defenses scratching their heads. A forward line-up consisting of Ozil, Cazorla and Pastore would be a treat in itself and when the flavour of Arsenal is added to it, there are no words to describe it.

1. Lucas Moura (Paris St. Germain)

A long term Manchester United target Lucas Moura joined the big money spenders PSG back in 2013, and given the heavy expectations, he hasn’t had the best of seasons in Ligue 1. According to Sky Sports, Lucas has been linked with a return to former club Sao Paulo on loan, given his failure to nail down a place in the starting XI.

Lucas, acknowledged as one of the most exciting prospects in world football till a couple of years ago, could well be interested in resurrecting his career with a spot in the Brazilian World Cup squad at stake. He has a point to prove, and his pace and trickery too could add an extra dimension to a swashbuckling Arsenal side. Manager Arsene Wenger will undoubtedly have monitored his progress at the Parc des Princes carefully, a move for the Brazilian could enhance their title credentials.