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Rumors have been circling around FC Schalke attacking midfielder Julian Draxler and his possible summer shift to Arsenal. But with a stacked midfield that includes the likes of German player of the year Mesut Ozil, the incredibly in-form Aaron Ramsey, Arsenal wonder-child Jack Wilshere, and the Spanish duo of Mikel Arteta and Santi Cazorla, where would the 20-year-old Draxler even fit into the mix?
Arsenal traditionally stick to a 4-2-3-1 formation, which gives them plenty of space for creativity in the midfield area. Ozil typically slots in at the central attacking midfield position, with Theo Walcott and Santi Cazorla at his flanks and Ramsey, Wilshere, and Arteta always fitting into the already crowded mix.
If Arsenal were to sign Draxler as the rumors are hinting, they must have it in mind to part with one of their other midfielders because, quite simply, Draxler is not a backup.
The only departure that would not seem completely illogical in this scenario is Cazola.
While I am in no way endorsing the removal of Cazorla come summer, he plays the left attacking mid field role that Draxler can also slide into. At 29 years old, the Spaniard is not exactly young anymore. While the same can be said of his countryman, Arteta is a defensive-midfield player.
Maybe the mentality is to move Cazorla into a Tomas Rosicky role and just have him fill in as a sub or injury replacement. Only time will tell.
That being said, the thought of having Draxler, Ozil, and Walcott to back striker Olivier Giroud is incredibly appealing. With Ramsey and Wilshere behind those three, the creativity is almost unbounded, and other clubs would be hard-pressed to keep them contained.
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