http://www.bild.de/sport/fussball/lewis-holtby/schwaermt-von-arsenal-london-24560494.bild.html

My german isn't great but that bit in bold says (roughly):

"I've always wanted to one day play in the Premier League, and I like Arsenal FC - good offensive play, young players, good stadium, great city - an excellent club. Currently my focus is on Schalke, but you never know..." (direct quote)

It looks like Schalke also want van der Vaart. Would be great if they could weaken Spurs and recoup that money by strengthening us, but I dunno how good this kid is. We seriously need a top playmaker. Ramsey and Rosicky are not suitable Cesc/Nasri replacements.

Capi likes this. 🙂

Draxler is the one we should be after from Schalke.

That intervew was on talksport a couple of days ago. Wasn't really a hint at anything.

Bah, at least it gives us something to talk about. You a fan, capi?

Yes please! And he's English, so he'll have that bulldog spirit.

spaceman spiff wrote:

Bah, at least it gives us something to talk about. You a fan, capi?

Yep, rate Holtby.

He's not going to come here and lift us instantly or anything but he's a class footballer.

How would he play with Jack is what I'm wondering.

Having never seen this guy play, how does he function in midfield? The small playmaking creative type? He doesn't seem to get many assists.

the slowest wrote:

Having never seen this guy play, how does he function in midfield? The small playmaking creative type? He doesn't seem to get many assists.

Not sure how much I agree with this, but when someone was trying to sell the idea of this guy to me, they told me "imagine a jack clone with a more forward impetus". I haven't seen enough of him to sell him to anyone, but I do think he'd be an improvement over Ramsey and Rosicky.

Good on the ball, good use of the ball, doesn't score, personally think he is best on the right.

I like him too. There's been a lot of talk about van der Vaart going to Schalke in the past few days. Supposedly as a replacement for Holtby.

Edit: Should have read the first post.

Well if he's not a playmaker than can dominate and provide chances instantly then I'm not that interested, unless he's a Ramsey replacement and we get someone else in anyways.

His creative passing is a key part of his game so that isn't an issue.

From what you're describing about him Captain he doesn't sound as if he'd increase our goal threat.

Looks a promising player, won't be a starter though... Would probably challenge Ramsey/Rosicky for bench position.. we still really need to sign another top quality attacker, hope this guy isn't it.