Arsene Wenger play down Julian Draxler rumours

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has played down reports that the club are closing in on a £37million move for Schalke attacking midfielder Julian Draxler.

Speaking after Friday night’s 4-0 FA Cup fourth-round victory over Coventry, Wenger denied a deal would happen and stated that he was happy with the wide players he has at the club.

“That is an illusion. There is nothing happening, honestly no,” Wenger said.

“We don’t need to take players on the flanks – we have 17 players on the flanks.”

Lukas Podolski struck twice as Arsenal cruised into the fifth round of the FA Cup with Olivier Giroud and Santi Cazorla also on the scoresheet.

“Podolski can score goals. When you have a good chance you want him to have it because he is a clinical finisher,” Wenger said.

“He has an unbelievable short and quick backlift and he is very accurate in his finishing.

“He can score goals when he starts, when he comes on he is always dangerous.”