IT LOOKS like Arsenal's chances of snaring Julian Draxler are like Ashley Cole's international career – over. The Gunners have been chasing the Schalke midfielder for months, and were close to sealing a deal in January only to lose their nerve when presented with the 20-year-old's £37m buy-out clause. Now the Daily Star reports that Draxler will commit to Schalke "for at least one more season" even though Arsenal are expected to table another bid for the Germany international in the coming weeks.
Asked by German rag Bild what the future held, Draxler replied: "I am able to seriously confirm I do not have any thoughts on leaving the club this summer." When pressed on the rumours linking him with the Emirates, he added: "Of course, I am expecting some unverified rumours coming up throughout this summer... but it is very, very likely I will play for Schalke next season."
Meanwhile the Daily Express claims that Newcastle manager Alan Pardew is "hopeful of beating" Arsenal and Liverpool in the race to sign Loic Remy. The 27-year-old Frenchman was loaned to Newcastle by QPR this season, scored 14 goals for the Magpies and impressed Pardew no end. Even though Rangers gaffer Harry Redknapp said earlier in the month he expects Remy to sign for Arsenal this summer, the Express quotes Pardew declaring: "We're not completely resigned (on losing Remy), we're working hard to keep him... he's been an important part of our season - if you take him away, we'll need to replace him for sure."
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
SUBSCRIBE & SAVE
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.
Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.
Latest Videos FromThe Week
In stark contrast to the Emirates, where nothing is likely to happen in the near future, it's all go at Chelsea. First up and old warhorse John Terry has agreed a new year-long contract according to the Daily Mirror. Despite wanting a longer deal, the centre-back has been persuaded to stay, possibly because his one-year contract will make him the best paid defender in the Premier League.
The Mirror says that although there was interest from abroad, the prospect of another title under Mourinho at Chelsea played its part in persuading Terry to stay... that and the money.
However, David Luiz will not be featuring alongside Terry next season if The Times is to be believed. It says the Brazilian defender has agreed personal terms with Barcelona and claims the move is "likely to be worth almost £30m after the World Cup finals".
Chelsea will spend the cash they get for Luiz on Atletico Madrid forward Diego Costa, says the paper, who has a release clause of £32m in his contracy. However, the Daily Mail believes Blues will fund the deal for Costa by offering Romelu Lukaku in part exchange. Despite his talents Lukaku and Mourinho do not get along and it seems that the Belgian hitman is on his way out of Stamford Bridge this summer.
Fresh from being linked with an eye-watering £27m bid for Southampton and England defender Luke Shaw, Manchester United are now said to be "on the trail" of Benfica midfield magician Enzo Perez. Talksport's man in Portugal says that United scouts have been run the rule over the Argentine international "several times in recent weeks" and have liked what they've seen. The 28-year-old has taken the Portuguese outfit to the final of the Europa League and Talksport claims that a United bid in the region of £16m would likely land them their man.
Meanwhile, to no one's great surprise, it's been confirmed that Rio Ferdinand will be leaving Old Trafford this summer. The Daily Mirror reports that the veteran defender will be not have his contract renewed and departs United after 12 years at the club. "Circumstances didn't allow for me to say goodbye the way I would have liked but I'd like to take this opportunity to thank my teammates, staff, the club & the fans for an unbelievable 12 yrs that I'll never forget," said the 35-year-old defender.
According to the Mirror United have not ruled out "offering him a role as a club ambassador in the future".
