Transfer news: Arsenal boosted in Julian Draxler pursuit after Schalke admit they are powerless to prevent his exit, but injury could scupper January switch

Arsene Wenger's pursuit of German star reportedly gathers pace

Arsenal are known to be very keen on Julian Draxler

Arsenal have been offered encouragement in their pursuit of Julian Draxler after Schalke admitted they may be powerless to prevent the youngster leaving.

The 20-year-old is a long-term target of Arsenal's, with reports that Arsene Wenger has plans to convert him into a central striker in the Robin van Persie mould.

Draxler has a release clause of £37.8m and although it does not kick in until the summer, Schalke general manager Horst Heldt has admitted that a big bid this window would be difficult to turn down.

“We continue to hope that Julian remains,” he said. “But there are factors that we cannot influence.”

However according to some reports Arsenal's hopes of signing the player have been scuppered by injury.

Draxler has apparently been sent to Munich for treatment after rupturing his tendon and will be ruled out until March which would appear to scupper any move for the player this January.

Lewis Holtby of Tottenham Hotspur (Getty Images)

While Schalke would be loathed to lose one of their brightest talents, the breakdown of the move might come as a blow as it would in turn end their hopes of re-signing Lewis Holtby with the cash from the deal.