draxler It’s last orders in the Football Transfer Tavern and one of those I notice at getting stuck in at the bar is Shaun Custis from The Sun.

I eavesdrop to hear him telling one of our punters that Arsenal are preparing a £35 million player-plus-cash package for Schalke’s Julian Draxler, in a deal that would see Lukas Podolski heading in the opposite direction.

However it is thought that the Bundelsliga outfit have knocked back the bid as they seek to recoup the midfielder’s entire £37 million release clause.

Arsene Wenger has reportedly outlined a move for the highly-regarded 20-year-old to strengthen his side ahead of the upcoming title run in, but the French boss is willing to go back in the summer if a deal can’t be complete before next Friday’s deadline.

Podolski, 28, moved to the Emirates Stadium in a transfer worth in excess of £11 million in July 2012 but Wenger has doubts whether he remains an effective part of his side. The German international has only just returned from a lengthily injury lay-off, but he is not seen a first choice either as a through-the-middle striker or operating out wide.