Schalke denied Julian Draxler has a deal with Wolfsburg, but told worried Juventus “it’ll probably go on to the last minute.”
The situation exploded last night when Wolfsburg suddenly emerged as contenders for the 22-year-old midfielder, matching and even surpassing Juve’s offer of €26m plus €6m bonuses.
“The door is not yet closed, because on Saturday there were more developments and the issue of possibly substituting Julian,” director Horst Heldt told the official Schalke website.
That replacement is believed to be Filip Kostic of Stuttgart, worth €12m.
“We need to think about this a bit further. We will take the necessary time and make a decision by the transfer deadline.
“As of yesterday afternoon, Juventus had not submitted another official bid. The media claim Wolfsburg have a deal? That is not true.
“All the key issues are known. By Monday at 18.00 (17.00 GMT), any documents must be filed. Considering yesterday’s developments, it’ll probably go on to the last minute.”
Heldt also flatly denied Bild reports that Draxler had joked around with the Wolfsburg players after Saturday’s Bundesliga defeat and asked how he looked in their jersey.
Juventus need a creative midfielder and cannot wait until deadline day to get an answer from Schalke 04, so are turning to other targets instead.
These include Erik Lamela of Tottenham Hotspur and Zenit’s Axel Witsel.
For real? I wouldn't sign him now even if they come begging and for 10m.