Rumour Mongering: January Draxler Raid?

In the search for something diverting, a transfer rumour may just be the tonic. The problem, though, is that it’s linked to Philippe Coutinho leaving in the mid-season transfer window after yet another round of rumours linking Liverpool’s number ten with a move to Barcelona.

Even transfer rumours carry a bitter aftertaste at the moment. At least make it gloriously outlandish with no real chance of happening or dangle a defensive signing in response to the mess that took place at Wembley. Just link Liverpool with Virgil van Dijk again or throw Jan Oblak in there to add a different flavour to the proceedings. Oriel Romeu could even be stirred in for that familiar Southampton flavour instead of retreading old ground with Van Dijk.

Still, an old transfer friend returns to the rumour mill. Draxler has made eleven appearances in all competitions totalling 472 minutes so far this season. He’s an important squad player for Paris Saint-Germain and has been clearly involved under Unai Emery this campaign. However, the 24-year-old German international may want to be a central figure at a club of note. Draxler is talented enough to do so even if his next move must absolutely be the right one at this stage of his career.

It’s always useful to make sure Arsenal are mentioned in a Draxler transfer story, too. Maybe the former Wolfsburg star will replace one of Arsène Wenger’s expiring contract stars instead of Kia Joorabchian’s prized Merseyside client. Expect more rumours as January draws ever closer; expect nothing but hope for everything.