Arsenal are developing a penchant for that wonderful habit that all title-winning teams possess - getting the right result even when you're playing below your best. Saturday's game against beleaguered Fulham was a good example. The Cottagers are hardly in scintillating form, but were resolute enough to stifle the Gunners' thrusts for a good part of the game. Eventually however, Arsenal found a way through. Although it's a good trait to have, struggling performances do also point up the need to add reinforcements to the squad.
Many pundits thought the Gunners early season form would melt away ads the long season wore on and injuries started to take their toll. to date that hasn't happened, but if the club are to maintain their title challenge, Arsene Wenger will need to ensure that it doesn't, and that is where Julian Draxler could fit into the equation.
The 20 year old Schalke attacking midfielder has been linked with Arsenal for a while, and now that the German club appear willing to sell, it's a deal that Wenger should pursue. The Frenchman has already described how Draxler could become the new van Persie, and with Giroud the only out and out striker available for selection, it's an addition the Gunners need. Even with the potential return to fitness of Bendtner, seeing the Dane line up against them is not something that would strike fear into the Premier League's top defences. Draxler however could be an entirely different prospect.
With consummate technical ability, Draxler is very much a 'Wenger type of player' and should the deal to sign him go through it could just be the added impetus required to propel the Gunners through the second half of the season. As mentioned, grinding out results when not playing well is an important characteristic of successful teams, but so is the desire to add strength to a winning team. Securing Draxler could be the difference between merely another top four finish, or delivering a genuine title challenge.
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Source: DSG
