Schalke have rejected a €22 million bid from Juventus for 21-year-old forward Julian Draxler, confirmed by the club.
The Bianconeri are said to be keen on the German World Cup winner as they seek to add a creative midfielder to their ranks. Draxler, who was the subject of a £30 million bid from Arsenal last January, is reported to have agreed personal terms with the Italian giants, but his club are said to be holding out for an offer in the region of €30M.
The youngster appeared only 15 times during an injury ravaged campaign last season, though he was part of the Germany squad which triumped in Brazil last summer.
Juventus in the market for an attacking midfielder
Juventus director Beppe Marotta told Sky Italia that La Vecchia Signora are working to bring a playmaker to the club, which will allow Allegri to vary his tactical approach throughout the 2016/16 season. Max Allegri's desire to acquire an attack-minded midfielder has been well-documented -- with the Italian outlining the qualities that one could bring to his squad in Juventus' annual pre-season press conference last week -- and Draxler, still only 21, tops the manager's wishlist.
Juventus have lost both Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal this month, and it had been widely reported that Juventus were haggling Bayern Munich to include midfielder Mario Götze in the deal that would take the latter to the Allianz Arena.
Schalke holding out
Schalke sporting director Horst Heldt has claimed that the offer made by Juventus was "out of the question" for the German club
Schalke are fully aware of Draxler's lustre and are reportedly only prepared to let the player leave should an offer of €30 million arrive. There has been little speculation as to whether the Bianconeri will meet the asking price, but given that Vidal's €28 million move to Bayern Munich is expected to be finalised later this week, a second bid is not out of the equation.
German compatriot Mario Götze remains high on Allegri's wishlist but Bayern Munich have made no indication to sell.