Arsenal & United race French for £37.5m midfielder

Arsenal are favourites to sign Schalke 04 midfielder Julian Draxler but will face competition from Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain, according to reports in France.

Draxler, one of the most highly coveted young talents in Europe, is also believed to have attracted interest from Manchester United and Chelsea.

But the influence of Arsenal's German contingent and the club's current standing as
Premier League leaders leaves the Gunners in pole position ahead of their English rivals.
However, PSG also have a long-standing interest in Draxler, having first targeted the player earlier this campaign.

French publication Le 10 Sport reports that Draxler remains a priority as club management weigh up recruitment options in the January transfer window.

Draxler's contract with Schalke is understood to have a buy-out clause of £37.5 million that can be activated at the end of this season.

The 20-year-old has made 14 Bundesliga appearances this term, scoring once and providing five assists.