Arsenal launch late Julian Draxler bid

Arsenal have reportedly made contact with Schalke 04 in a bid to launch a late deal for German starlet Julian Draxler.

The Gunners are running out of time to add new recruits before the transfer window closes on Monday night, with free signings Yaya Sanogo and Mathieu Flamini the only new faces at the Emirates so far this summer.

After failing to land a string of targets Gunners chief executive Ivan Gazidis has held preliminary talks with Schalke to see if a move for Draxler is possible, according to The Mirror.

Arsene Wenger is believed to be a long-term admirer of the 19-year-old, but has been put off by Schalke's staggering £60m valuation of the young playmaker.

Draxler has repeatedly insisted that he wants to stay at Schalke this season, after turning down the advances of Manchester City and Real Madrid in the last 12 months.

Schalke added a new option in the final third yesterday, agreeing terms with AC Milan to sign Ghana playmaker Kevin-Prince Boateng.