Check out Arsenal target Draxler shining against Chelsea

Schalke star Julian Draxler has long been linked with a move to Arsenal and against Chelsea in their Champions League match on Wednesday night he showed just why.

The 20-year-old attacking-midfielder shone against Jose Mourinho's side as he helped the German outfit earn a point at Stamford Bridge.

But it was one particular piece of flashy skill that had fans taking to Twitter to wax lyrical about Draxler.

Check out the footage below and the reaction of supporters as they urge their clubs to sign the German star.

Chelsea cautious over Costa’s ongoing injury struggles, admits Mourinho

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has admitted the club remain cautious over Diego Costa’s hamstring injury, revealing the striker’s niggle prevented him from starting the Blues’ Champions League opener against Schalke.

Mourinho’s men took an early lead at Stamford Bridge when Cesc Fabregas found the net for his first Chelsea goal, but the hosts were wasteful throughout, with Klaas-Jan Huntelaar netting an equaliser after the break to clinch a 1-1 draw.

The Blues certainly missed Costa’s presence up front as Didier Drogba, who was handed his first start since his surprise return to the club this summer, missed a number of glaring chances, while Eden Hazard was also guilty of a lack of clinical touch in front of goal.

And while the Spanish star - who scored a hat-trick in Saturday's victory over Swansea - came off the bench for a late cameo, he had little impact against the German side, with Mourinho revealing his concern over the forward’s condition.

"Costa has a problem," said the Blues boss.

"If he has one week to let the muscle recover he can start a game. Playing on Saturday, three days is not enough for him to recover.

"It was not to protect for the game Sunday [at Manchester City] it was because today he was not in condition to start the game."

Costa limped out of last season's Champions League final with Atletico Madrid with a hamstring problem and the injury recurred while on international duty earlier this month with Spain.

"He played here one match and he was perfect," Mourinho added.

"He went to the national team and after the game against France he came back to us injured.

"He came to us [from Atletico] and he was completely fine. He had a problem again in the national team, not with us.

"Now we have the problem and now we have to resolve the problem the best we can.

"Today he was not in condition to play. Sunday we believe he is.

"Next week against Bolton [in the Capital One Cup] for sure he isn't. We have to manage the situation until the moment he's completely fine.

"If today he starts the game, for sure he cannot play on Sunday. We have to go step by step."

Listen to the full post-match reaction from Jose Mourinho above!

Arteta is finished! Arsenal fans slam their captain after Dortmund defeat

It’s fair to say only Wojciech Szczesny came out of Arsenal’s 2-0 defeat to Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League with any credit.

The Gunners were lacklustre and easily dispatched by their German opponents, who barely had to break sweat to claim victory.

And Arsenal fans directed most of their ire towards captain Mikel Arteta who was completely anonymous in midfield for 77 minutes until he was finally replaced by Lukas Podolkski.

Some wanted the Spaniard to retire while others queried if it was possible to have his contract cancelled

Welbeck’s finishing leaves Wenger frustrated

Arsene Wenger admitted Danny Welbeck’s finishing has left him disappointed but insists the striker will improve at the Emirates.

The summer signing from Manchester United, who was criticised for his poor conversion rate by Louis van Gaal, missed several good chances for the Gunners as they lost 2-0 to Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League.

But after the game new boss Wenger stated his belief the England forward will come good for the north London club.

"Danny [Welbeck] will improve,” he said. “I don't think we have to make a problem of that.

"He had a very lively first-half. He had two or three good chances but couldn't finish them. There was one obvious one. We have to be patient with him."

Liverpool aren’t at the standard of last season, admits Rodgers

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has admitted his side’s standards have slipped compared to the Reds team which secured a Premier League runner-up spot last season.

The Merseyside outfit seem to feeling the effects of star striker Luis Suarez’s exit to Barcelona this summer, while their attacking force has taken an additional hit with the early injury blow to now-first choice frontman Daniel Sturridge.

That has left Rodgers with summer signing Mario Balotelli as his main man up front, though the Italian failed to really impress at the weekend as the Reds slumped to a 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa at Anfield.

The maverick forward finally opened his account for his new club just a few days later though, putting Liverpool in front - with what Rodgers described as a "world-class finish" - in their Champions League opener against Bulgarian minnows Ludogorets on Tuesday night.

But despite Balotelli giving the hosts the lead, it was Steven Gerrard who saved the Merseyside outfit once again as the captain netted a stoppage-time penalty to secure a 2-1 victory after the visitors netted shock equaliser.

It was a nervy night for the Reds, but Rodgers insists his new-look squad, bolstered by over £100million worth of summer arrivals, will improve with time as they start to gel.

“We’re not at the standard we were at last season, that’s for sure,” said the boss. “We’re not at the level yet.

“We’ve got a lot of adaptation going on with new players coming in, and even though they fit the profile and are working hard, it’s still a new team.

“We’re still a work in progress, but we could do no more than win tonight, and we did that.

“It’s important to keep winning games through this period, and winning in the Champions League is always good.

"I think it was a great night for everyone at the club," he added. "Obviously it's been five years so to get first game back in and get the result was excellent.

"Big congratulations to the players because they showed great character and commitment tonight to get the result."

Norwich beat Cardiff in six-goal thriller after brilliant comeback

Norwich came out on top of the battle of two relegated Premier League sides, as the Canaries stages a brilliant comeback to beat Cardiff in a six-goal thriller at the Cardiff City Stadium.

Both sides are desperate to secure immediate promotion back into the top flight, but it is Neil Adams’ men who look most likely at this early stage of the season, as a 4-2 victory lifts them up to in second place level on points with table topping Nottingham Forest.

Cardiff got off to a brilliant start with two goals in the opening 22 minutes from Joe Ralls and Aron Gunnarsson.

But the game was turned on his head after the break as Norwich began to dominate, with Martin Olsson pulling one back for the visitors shortly after the restart and Wes Hoolahan pulling them level on the hour-mark.

Bluebirds boss Ole Gunnar Solskjær then brought Nicky Maynard and Tom Adeyemi on from the bench in an attempt to mix it up, but it only got worse for the home side as Michael Turner scored in the 70th minute, with Cameron Jerome also finishing late on as boos began to sound from the home support.

Meanwhile, Brentford are into the play-off places after a 3-2 win over Brighton, with strikes from Moses Odubajo, Andre Gray and Jonathan Douglas sealing victory despite Seagulls duo Danny Holla and Gordon Greer’s goals.

The pressure continues to pile on Fulham boss Felix Magath, as his side slumped to a 3-0 defeat to Reading – the Cottagers’ fifth loss of the season.

Glenn Murray was the star for the home side, with his brace giving to Royals a comfortable lead, while Nick Blackman hammered home in the closing stages to round off a great win, with choruses of ‘Magath out’ sounding from the away stand.

The result leaves Fulham rock bottom of the table with just one point.

Scotland striker Jordan Rhodes was on target again for Blackburn as Rovers secured a 3-1 triumph over Wigan.

After a barren first-half the goals rained in after the break, with the Latics taking the lead through James Perch before Ben Marshall’s double, a goal either side of Rhodes’ finish, steering Blackburn to victory.

Elsewhere, Yoni Buyens’ third minute penalty was all Charlton needed to see of Watford in a 1-0 win at the Valley, two-goal hero Grant Leadbitter netted in stoppage time as Middlesbrough beat Huddersfield 2-1, and a goal apiece from David McGoldrick and Daryl Murphy saw Ipswich see off Millwall in a 2-0 win.

The day’s early kick-off saw Birmingham and Leeds United play out a 1-1 draw at St Andrew’s, Alex Mowatt's second-half equaliser rescuing a point for the managerless Whites, with Jordan Bowery Rotherham’s saviour as his stoppage-time header sealed a 1-1 tie at Bournemouth.

And finally, both Blackpool and Wolves, and Bolton and Sheffield Wednesday played out goalless stalemates.

Exclusive - Martinez can emulate Kendall at Everton, claims Southall

Club legend Neville Southall believes Roberto Martinez is destined for greatness at Everton – and claims the Spaniard is the Toffees’ best manager since Howard Kendall.

The former Wigan chief replaced David Moyes at Goodison Park, following the Scot's departure for Manchester United in 2013.

Martinez led the Merseysiders to fifth in the Premier League table last campaign, securing a Europa League spot for this season in the process.

And that performance has led former goalkeeper Southall to compare the 41-year-old to Kendall, who was successful both domestically and abroad.

“Roberto is definitely the man to lead Everton and he’s the best manager we’ve had since Howard Kendall,” he told the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast show. “He will win something for us.

“There are not many managers who can walk into a club and change the philosophy,” he added. “His problem this season is going to be the expectation.

“People are turning up to the ground and expecting Everton to win by lots of goals.

“The crowd noise level went down last year. I went to see the match against West Ham last season and it was really quiet. I was wondering why this was happening and then you realise the expectation he’s brought in, and the type of football he’s playing, people are sitting there saying, ‘entertain me’.”

Valencia keen to keep starlet wanted by Arsenal and Chelsea

Valencia are frantically working on a new contract for Spanish wonderkid Paco Alcacer with Arsenal and Chelsea reportedly stepping up their interest in the 21-year-old.

Alcacer has shot to fame this season, making his debut for Spain last week and then scoring his first goal in their 5-1 victory over Macedonia on Monday.

As a result, according to reports in Spain, Valencia are now putting together an improved contract offer for the striker in an attempt to ward off interest from several Premier League clubs.

Arsenal and Chelsea have been touted as possible destinations, while Barcelona also enquired after Alcacer back in 2011 - after he was top-scorer at the under-17 European Championships.

Valencia are said to be determined to hold onto Alcacer, who netted seven goals in 11 games during the La Liga side's run to the Europa League semi-final last season.

The Spaniard's new deal is expected to reward him with a pay-rise, while it is also thought to contain a buy-out clause of around £25m.

Transfer rumours and paper review - Wednesday, September 10

Here are the top transfer-related stories in Wednesday's newspapers...

Arsenal are looking to sign Barcelona's 19-year-old midfielder Sergi Samper - with manager Arsene Wenger ready to pay his £9.6m release clause in January. (Metro)

Barcelona right-back Dani Alves, 31, has emerged as a shock transfer target for Manchester United and Liverpool. (Daily Express)

France midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin, 24, says he was desperate to leave Southampton this summer before club bosses "blocked" his move. (Mirror)

QPR's wage bill is bigger than Italian giants AC Milan. (The Daily Telegraph)

Midfielder Alex Pritchard, 21, is hoping to catch the eye of Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino during his loan spell at Championship new-boys Brentford. (Daily Mail)

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has told Belgian midfielder Marouane Fellaini, 26, that he plans to make him an important part of the team. (Daily Star) 

Exclusive – Arsenal turned down chance to sign Man City defender this summer

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger turned down the chance to sign Micah Richards during the summer transfer window, talkSPORT understands.

Wenger was on the search for defensive steel after selling centre-back and Gunners captain Thomas Vermaelen to Barcelona for £15million in August.

The Frenchman was alerted to Richards’ availability, with the 26-year-old finding first-team opportunities limited at the Etihad Stadium under manager Manuel Pellegrini.

But Wenger instead opted to sign Southampton teenager Calum Chambers in a £16million deal, with Richards eventually joining Italian side Fiorentina on loan for the season on deadline day.

Richards previously revealed to talkSPORT that he was offered more money to stay with Premier League champions City, but decided to revive his career in Florence with the prospect of playing regular Europa League and Serie A football.

Fabregas: Arsenal will always be close to my heart, but I’m committed to Chelsea now

Cesc Fabregas insists he is fully committed to Chelsea following his summer switch to Stamford Bridge, but maintains he will always hold Arsenal close to his heart.

The former Gunners captain says he feels comfortable working under Blues boss Jose Mourinho, after Arsenal decided against taking up an option to bring the playmaker back from Barcelona to the Emirates Stadium.

Fabregas, 27, joined the Gunners from his boy-hood club as a raw teenager and developed into one of the most dynamic midfielders in the game, before returning to the Nou Camp in August 2011.

He won the La Liga title, a Copa del Ray and the FIFA Club World Cup during his three-year spell back in Spain, before returning to the Premier League early in the transfer window in a £28million deal.

And in an interview with Spanish newspaper El Pais, Fabregas explained that he will always cherish his rise to fame at Arsenal and that whatever he may achieve at Chelsea will not diminish his feelings for his former club.

The Spain international said: "Don't think I didn't think about it [playing for Arsenal's rivals when he decided to join Chelsea]. I will keep the Gunner feeling forever and I know that I will return to the Amirates and it will be a special moment, but I am a committed guy.

"I remind you that I played the Champions League final against Barcelona [with Arsenal] and I swear I would have done anything to win that game - and I have been a Barcelona fan since I was a kid.

"So I know that when I play against Arsenal I will know who is my team, who are my colleagues and who I defend. And I know that the Arsenal fans will understand me, I have no doubt."

Fabregas also admitted he needed little convincing to join his former club’s London rivals.

He added: "If you'd told me five years ago that I would play for Chelsea and Mourinho I would not have believed you, but life changes.

"I started to think about leaving Barcelona after the Copa del Rey final. It was when I started to think that it had finished, that there was a change or that I didn't want to continue.

"I spoke with my agent and asked him to find me a new team, and an offer from Chelsea arrived. For me it was coming back to London, where I grew up. There was no better way out.

"I spoke with Mourinho and he told me the things I needed to hear. I felt valued. I felt I was going to be important in an important project."

Welbeck hails new-look England after Switzerland win

England goal hero Danny Welbeck has heaped praise onto his team-mates after a 2-0 triumph over Switzerland.

Roy Hodgson’s side who came under fire after a turgid friendly win over Norway produced a promising display in Basle.

And Welbeck, who scored both goals on the night in the Euro 2016 qualifier, believes they could have won by more had they been slightly more clinical.

He told ITV: "I think we created a number of chances which maybe we could have done better with the final pass.

“Once we got the first goal I think we were in control and played a good team game today and you could see the work ethic - everyone is playing for each other and that's very important.”

Exclusive - Meulensteen: Man United should have promoted from within to replace Ferguson

Former Manchester United first-team coach Rene Meulensteen believes the club were wrong to appoint David Moyes instead of turning to someone already at Old Trafford to lead the side into a new era after Sir Alex Ferguson.

The Scot was effectively annointed by Ferguson as the new Red Devils manager last summer but did not last the season as the then Premier League champions finished a dismal seventh.

Moyes was sacked with four games left of the season and Meulensteen claims United, who are now being led by Louis van Gaal, made a mistake in breaking the continuity and stability built up over 27 years by Ferguson.

"Being there with him first hand, I always felt the biggest challenge for Manchester United was managing the time after Sir Alex Ferguson announced his retirement," Meulensteen told Sunday Exclusive.

"There were only two ways about it – to bring in someone from outside, which they did with David Moyes, or to try and build it from within, which I personally thought would have been the better option.

"Manchester United is such a unique club and SIr Alex Ferguson has been so important in building that uniqueness. There’s been a lot of continuity and stability which are the two main parts for any club to be successful.

"That would have been the key to make sure you maintain that. You maintain that continuity, the stability and the philosophy that has run through the club for so many years."

Moyes took a bold approach after succeeding Ferguson by completely rejigging his backroom team, but it was a decision many questioned and, ultimately, it was one which backfired the former Everton chief.

But Meulensteen, who spent six seasons as coach at Old Trafford, believes the legendary Scot could not have pre-empted just how far United would fall under his compatriot's leadership.

"He had 27 years at the club and he made it the biggest club in the world, a unique club and unique brand," the Dutchman added. "I’m 100 per cent sure he will be very disappointed. He will be surprised. He honestly though David Moyes was the right man to step into it.

"I don’t think he never ever anticipated that David Moyes would get rid of his backroom staff. I think that is where the core of the problems started."

Transfer rumours and paper review - Sunday, September 7

Here are the top transfer-related stories in Sunday's newspapers...

Manchester City and Arsenal are preparing to go head-to-head in a bid to sign £25m-rated Borussia Dortmund winger Marco Reus, 25. (Daily Star Sunday) 

Manchester City are also planning a move to sign Southampton forward and Tottenham target Jay Rodriguez, 25, as manager Manuel Pellegrini looks to buy more English players. (Sun on Sunday) 

QPR are considering a loan move for Portugal forward Hugo Almeida, 30, who has been out of contract since leaving Turkish club Besiktas in May. (Sunday Mirror) 

Meanwhile United have vowed to buy "a Luis Suarez a year" as they reveal a new aggressive transfer policy financed by their lucrative kit deal with Adidas. (Sunday Telegraph) 

Atletico Madrid midfielder Tiago, 33, claims he has turned down "a great offer" from Chelsea to return to Stamford Bridge. (Evening Standard) 

QPR defender Rio Ferdinand, 35, says he "cannot believe" former club Manchester United sold striker Danny Welbeck, 23, to Arsenal. (Sun on Sunday) 

Arsenal ‘still behind Chelsea and Man City’ in Premier League title race, admits Gunners hero

Arsenal legend Alan Smith has told talkSPORT he believes his former side have no chance of competing with Chelsea and Manchester City for the Premier League title this season.

After a productive summer transfer window, with the arrivals of forward pair Alexis Sanchez from Barcelona and Danny Welbeck from Manchester United giving Arsene Wenger an much needed attacking boost, the Gunners are confident of following up last season’s FA Cup triumph with more silverware.

However, Highbury favourite Smith – who won two First Division titles during eight seasons in north London – believes they still have a way to go to finally challenge for the top flight crown again.

“Another trophy would be great this season, but I can’t see them winning the title, I really can’t,” Smith told My Sporting Life.

“They’re still a few furlongs behind Chelsea and Manchester City, as well as they might have done in the summer transfer window.

“I think they have moved forward with the signings of Alexis Sanchez, Danny Welbeck and [teenage defender] Calum Chambers, but I still think they are weak in terms of protecting the back-four.

“Realistically you’re looking at another top-four finish, and maybe they can nick a cup again, but unfortunately I still don’t see them as title challengers.”

Tune into to My Sporting Life from 10pm on Sunday night to hear the full interview with former Arsenal striker Alan Smith.

No Arsenal offer for Bundesliga hotshot

Schalke claim they have received no offers for Arsenal target Klaas-Jan Huntelaar.

The Gunners were linked with a deadline day move for the Dutch striker, who scored 14 goals in 21 appearances last season.

However Schalke general manager, Horst Heldt, has revealed that the Bundesliga side have received no bids for Huntelaar and have no plans to sell him.

"We have not been receiving any transfer enquires from Arsenal or any other club for Klaas-Jan Huntelaar," Heldt told German magazine Kicker.

"Huntelaar is a fixture at our club. We are definitely able to imagine signing a new contract with him.

"There is no doubt he is a top quality player and a true role model. He is ambitious, determined and truly hungry for success."

Disaster for England! Sturridge ruled out of Switzerland match

England have been dealt a massive blow after it was revealed striker Daniel Sturridge has been ruled out of the opening Euro 2016 qualifier in Switzerland with a thigh injury.

The Liverpool forward, 25, pulled up in training on Friday with the problem and has now returned to his parent club for further assessment.

An FA Spokesman said: “Daniel Sturridge picked up an injury on his thigh in training.

"He has had a scan and will now return to Liverpool FC for treatment. He will play no part in the forthcoming Switzerland match.”

The news will come as a massive blow to Roy Hodgson especially as the Three Lions boss is already tasked with taking a vastly inexperienced squad to Switzerland.

Stalwarts Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole have all retired while a lenghty injury list includes the likes of Theo Walcott, Adam Lallana, Ross Barkley, Michael Carrick, Jay Rodriguez and Andy Carroll.

Hodgson's defensive options are also limited with Kyle Walker, Glen Johnson, Luke Shaw, Jon Flanagan, Chris Smalling and Kieran Gibbs all unavailable, while West Brom goalkeeper Ben Foster and uncapped Newcastle midfielder Jack Colback withdrew from the 22-man squad with injuries this week.

Exclusive - Arsenal legend claims signing Welbeck does NOT make them title contenders

Alan Smith has told talkSPORT Arsenal desperately needed to sign Danny Welbeck, but that it will not turn the Gunners into Premier League title challengers this season.

Arsene Wenger snapped up the England striker from Manchester United for £16million on deadline day as a direct replacement for Olivier Giroud, who is out until the New Year.

And while the north London outfit have bolstered their fragile frontline, Arsenal legend, Smith feels the lack of a classy defensive midfielder will be what costs his former side in their pursuit of glory.

Asked whether Welbeck's arrival makes Arsenal title contenders, the former striker told Drivetime: "I don't think so. In all fairness, I still think they're short behind Chelsea and Manchester City.

"I would have liked to of seen a holding midfielder come in. Whether Arsene Wenger was after one at any point, I don't know. Sami Khedira was mentioned along the way, but he's [Wenger] already got the likes of Mikel Arteta.

"I don't think that's a natural role for Arteta, I don't think it's his best role. I think Arsenal suffer at times when Arteta is playing in that role.

"I don't think he's got the legs to do it these days and that is an area where they're not going to be strong enough."

‘I never thought about quitting Tottenham’, insists Lamela

Tottenham winger Erik Lamela says he never considered leaving the club in the summer despite being heavily linked with a return to Italy.

The former Roma man had struggled to settle in north London and was rumoured to be the target of Serie A sides Inter Milan, Napoli, and Fiorentina.

But he looks revitalised under new manager Maurico Pochettino and has hit the ground running this season, with the 22-year-old on target for Argentina on Wednesday night.

And Lamela insists he is keen to star for Spurs in the Premier League.

"I never had any doubts about my future," he told Corriere dello Sport after the international friendly against Germany

"I read a lot of things in the newspapers and perhaps there were a few enquiries from clubs, but I had no direct contact or doubts about my future.

"Last season was complicated for me because of injury, but I feel good now.

"And I have to thank Tottenham for their help and patience - they have always shown faith in me.

"Now I am on the right path and I want to impose myself in the Premier League."

Chelsea star close to signing new deal

Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is close to signing a new deal at the club after ousting Petr Cech as No 1.

The Belgium international still has two years remaining on the contract he signed when moving from Genk in July 2011, but is already on the verge of extending it to ward off any interest and reward his early form.

"It's not yet signed," Courtois said.

"I am here [in Belgium] with the national team so it is difficult, but when I am back at Chelsea I will probably sign the new contract."

The shot-stopper has started the first three Premier League games of the season but Cech has so far remained to fight for a place in the first XI.

Inter Milan failed in deadline day move for Liverpool striker

Inter Milan failed with a deadline day move for Liverpool forward Fabio Borini, according to sources in Italy.

Borini was expected to leave Anfield on Monday and came very close to a move to QPR, only for the player's wages to scupper the transfer.

However, according to TMW, QPR were not the only ones who failed in a late bid for the Italian attacker.

Inter Milan reportedly offered to take Borini on loan for the season, with a view to a permanent deal next summer.

But, Liverpool showed no interest in the proposal as they were focusing on QPR's bid of £10million for the 23-year-old.

I had to sell Torres, insists Chelsea boss Mourinho

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has revealed he had to sell Fernando Torres as the striker needed a change of scenery.

The Spaniard was loaned to AC Milan during the summer transfer window, ending what had been a difficult spell at Stamford Bridge.

Torres will spend two seasons with the Italian outfit, which will see out the remainder of his current contract with the Blues, having failed to live up to his then-British record £50million move from Liverpool in 2011.

Mourinho admitted he has the upmost respect for Torres and hopes he thrives with his new club.

"About Fernando I have to say, with the respect that I bring to all my former players, that as a professional and as a person there is no discussion," said Mourinho.

Man City striker completes Celtic loan switch

Manchester City striker John Guidetti has completed a late seasong-long loan switch to Celtic after being given special dispensation by FIFA.

The Scottish champions tried to sign the 22-year-old Swede just before the 11pm transfer deadline on Monday night but part of the paperwork arrived just after midnight.

However, the Bhoys have been permission from football's governing body to complete the deal after the Scottish football authorities succeeded in an appeal.

A FIFA spokesperson said: "After checking the documentation received and the information contained in the international transfer matching system managed by FIFA TMS, the Scottish Football Association was informed today that the envisaged loan deal may proceed."

Guidetti, who is on Sweden Under-21s duty, welcomed the news.

He wrote on his Twitter account: "Delighted to have finally joined @celticfc on loan ... Can't wait to get started and play in front those fans #TheBhoys"

Bundesliga transfer round-up: Draxler could move to Arsenal in January

talkSPORT German football expert Olly Knaack thinks Arsenal target Julian Draxler will leave the Bundesliga either in January or next summer.

The Gunners have long been linked with the Schalke attacking midfielder and have seen bids knocked back for the 20-year-old in previous transfer windows.

Draxler signed a new five-year deal with the Gelsenkirchen side in May and revealed he had turned down a move to north London because he wants to spend one more season in Germany.

The World Cup winner is understood to have a £38million buy-out clause in his contract and Knaack reckons a Premier League side will meet that figure soon.

"I’m quite sure he’s got an opt out clause for next summer," the German football expert told Drivetime.

"If he plays a decent Champions League campaign he will definitely be a player who Schalke will find it’s hard to keep. There will be a club from the Premier League who will put up the money and he will leave, maybe even in the winter."

Another Die Nationalmannschaft star, Marco Reus, is another who has been linked to the Premier League with Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United all known admirers.

And Knaack added: "Dortmund will do everything to keep him. But he’s also got an opt out clause [believed to be £28m for next summer] and Bayern Munich are already talking about how difficult it will be for Dortmund to re-sign him.

"If Reus wants to leave, there are lots of clubs who would love to have him in their team. So it’s more or less Reus’ decision, Dortmund can’t do much about it if he decides to leave."

Italy star set to spurn Arsenal and Manchester United interest

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti is set to commit his long-term future to the club amid lingering interest from Arsenal and Manchester United.

As reported by talkSPORT this week, both Premier League clubs are admirers of the 21-year-old midfielder, who joined the Ligue 1 outfit from Pescara in 2012.

And there was some uncertainty surrounding his future, with Verratti angling for a new deal which would take him in line with some of the club's highest earners.

Real Madrid attempted to take advantage of the situation with a reported late bid for the Italian in the closing stages of the transfer window.

But now, according to sources in Italy, Verratti is ready to pen a five-year deal in Paris which will also provide a healthy pay rise.

Exclusive - Davies: Liverpool boss Rodgers should replace Hodgson as England manager

Stan Collymore has told talkSPORT England should drop captain Wayne Rooney in favour of starting Danny Welbeck for the Euro 2016 qualifier against Switzerland.

The Three Lions skipper scored the only goal in the 1-0 friendly win over Norway, but was anonymous for much of the match and was overshadowed by an impressive substitute cameo from the new Arsenal signing.

And ex-England striker, Collymore, believes Welbeck linked up better with Daniel Sturridge and should be preferred ahead of Rooney for Monday's match in Basel.

"I would honestly go with Sturridge and Welbeck, I would have no problems with that at all," he told talkSPORT.

"I don't think there's any excuses from Wayne Rooney tonight. As the game went on he dropped deeper and deeper to try and do that little Hollywood thing he does where he picks it up and pings the ball out to a right winger and a left winger and it gets a polite round of applause from everybody saying 'ball, what a great ball that is.

"He's a better central striker than that. But the reality is he hasn't played consistently as a central striker for a number of years. I don't think he believes he can do it over 90 minutes anymore because the movement you need, both mental and physical, perhaps he isn't up to.

"He has got 400 games under his belt and a lot of miles on the clock. I actually thought, and a lot of people agree with me, that Danny Welbeck and Daniel Sturridge looked a lot more of a threat and brought the likes of Raheem Sterling much more into the game than Wayne Rooney did.

"It's a debate we've got to have but we obviously know when you're captain of Manchester United and captain of England, he won't be dropped by club or by country unless he has an alarming drop off in form.

"Of course, he scored the penalty but Sturridge looked much livelier and tellingly looked for Danny Welbeck a lot more. They looked a far more intuitive partnership."

Transfer rumours and paper review - Thursday, September 4

Here's the top transfer-related stories in Thursday's newspapers...

Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo, 29, would like to "come back" to Manchester United one day because the club remains in his heart. (Daily Mail)

The Red Devils are also looking to put together a £60m bid to bring Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba, 21, back to Old Trafford next summer. (Daily Express)

Liverpool striker Fabio Borini, 23, is already being targeted by Inter Milan for a move during the January transfer window. (Daily Express)

Joel Campbell's agent has criticised Arsene Wenger after the Arsenal manager rejected an offer for the 22-year-old forward to join Benfica on deadline day. (Daily Star)

Colorado Rapids are closing in on the signing of former England defender Zat Knight, 34, who is a free agent after leaving Bolton Wanderers. (MLS)

Benoit Assou-Ekotto's future is in doubt after the defender, 30, was left out of Tottenham's Premier League squad. (Daily Mail)

Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, 22, is set to sign a new contract at Chelsea. (Daily Mirror) 

New Arsenal striker a doubt for England friendly after training injury

Roy Hodgson has confirmed new Arsenal striker Danny Welbeck is a doubt for England’s friendly against Norway after suffering an ankle injury in training.

The 23-year-old sealed a £16million deadline day move to the Emirates from Manchester United in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

But in his first session at the Gunners’ London Colney training ground, where the Three Lions made their preparations for Wednesday’s tie at Wembley, the striker picked up a knock in training that puts his participation in doubt.

On Welbeck’s late move, England manager Hodgson said: "We are happy for Danny. He felt the move might lead to more regular football and that will only be to our advantage and we think or hope he will be ready to start for Arsenal.

"But unfortunately in training today he did manage to receive a knock in the session, but I have been assured he is okay and that it will not rule him out, but obviously I suppose it could happen.

"I would be very disappointed if he could not play tomorrow because of what happened with the last kick of the session."

Hodgson is planning to field a "young team" against Norway, although the Three Lions coach revealed none of the four uncapped players in the 22-man squad will start.

While Calum Chambers, Fabian Delph and Danny Rose may get a chance off the bench, Jack Colback will have to wait.

The Newcastle midfielder will be available for the Switzerland match but an injury he injury picked up while playing for Newcastle at the weekend rules him out of the Wembley encounter, where he could be joined on the sidelines by Welbeck.

Hodgson confirmed Colback's absence from Wednesday night's match, saying: "He's been having treatment since we got together on the Sunday but unfortunately it's still going to be a day too soon for him.

"Hopefully he'll recover by Thursday so when we go to St George's Park he'll train but unfortunately he's out of the game for tomorrow, but he's the only one."

Tottenham defender has surgery following ongoing injury troubles

Tottenham and England right-back Kyle Walker has undergone lower abdominal surgery, his club have announced.

The 24-year-old has not played for Spurs since March, and no timescale was put on his recovery in a brief statement on their official website on Tuesday evening.

"Kyle Walker has undergone lower abdominal surgery," it read.

"The England right-back's pre-season preparations were disrupted by the abdominal injury and the decision to have surgery was taken following further medical assessment by specialists."

The north London club had initially hoped to avoid surgery, but resorted to sending the player for an operation in a bid to fix the long-standing problem.

"Kyle is good some days. On other days he has a bad feeling," boss Mauricio Pochettino said last month.

"We believe he may recover soon, but we need to be calm with him because it is an injury that he has had for five months."

Exclusive – Wenger can get the best out of Welbeck, says Man United legend

Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel believes Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger can take Danny Welbeck to the next level.

The England striker joined the Gunners on transfer deadline day in a £16million move as Radamel Falcao signed for the Red Devils on loan.

And as it looks like Welbeck will be given a chance to play as a central striker at the Emirates with Olivier Giroud absent through injury, Schmeichel feels Wenger is the right man to get the best out of the 23-year-old.

“I don’t think it’s a gamble [by Arsene Wenger to sign Welbeck]. It’s unfair to use his goalscoring stats against him. I know he has started a few games [centrally] but he’s not really had a proper opportunity to be a number nine and he will get that at Arsenal.

“Danny Welbeck is a fantastic player he’s got great technique it looks a bit awkward but it’s difficult to play against.

“He’s lightning quick and I think he appreciates he has to work on his goalscoring ratio. It’s not what it should be as he gets chances, but he hasn’t been able to put them away.

"Maybe he’s been working too much on the flanks and using up all his energy so when he gets an opportunity in front of goal he hasn’t got that little bit of concentration you need to stick it away.

“He’s getting a chance with Arsenal now, it’s a great opportunity. I think he’s getting a great manager [in Arsene Wenger] who can bring him up to the next level.”

Transfer rumours and paper review – Wednesday, September 3

Here's the top transfer-related stories in Wednesday's newspapers...

Manchester United are lining up a move for Roma's Netherlands midfielder Kevin Strootman, 24, in the January transfer window. (Daily Mail)

Liverpool have agreed personal terms on a one-year deal with former Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes, with the free agent set to move to Anfield imminently. (Daily Express)

But the Reds could have to wait until November to sign Valdes, 32, as he is recovering from a knee injury. (Daily Star)

Liverpool striker Fabio Borini's demands over wages and a get-out clause in his contract scuppered a move to QPR for the 23-year-old. (The Sun)

French winger Hatem Ben Arfa, 27, is likely to have played his last game for Newcastle United after joining Hull City on loan. (Daily Telegraph)

Ben Arfa almost cried at the warm welcome he got when he arrived at Hull. (Daily Mirror)

Paris St-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi claims Argentina winger Angel Di Maria, 26, wanted to join the Ligue 1 club before his move from Real Madrid to Manchester United. (Daily Mail)

Manchester United striker Welbeck joins Arsenal

Arsenal have signed Danny Welbeck from Manchester United, the club have announced.

The Gunners, along with Tottenham and Everton, were linked with a move for the forward on transfer deadline after he was deemed surplus to requirements at Old Trafford by new manager Louis van Gaal.

And, after bartering over the deal, a transfer worth a reported £16million was finally agreed, with Welbeck signing a long-term deal at the Emirates.

The Man United academy product, 23, scored 20 Premier League goals in 90 appearances across six seasons and has 26 England caps to his name.

Manchester United seal loan swoop for Falcao

Manchester United have completed an incredible transfer deadline day loan swoop for Radamel Falcao, the club have confirmed.

Most of the talk surrounding the Red Devils suggested they need to bring in a new defender but manager Louis van Gaal pulled a rabbit out of the hat by landing the Colombian striker in a season-long switch with an option to buy him.

The Monaco man, 28, scored 11 times in 20 Ligue 1 games last season before an anterior cruciate ligament injury ended his campaign early and stopped him from playing in the World Cup.

But now, as he returns to fitness, the former Porto and Atletico Madrid sensation has the chance to prove himself at Old Trafford after a loan deal was agreed.

Radamel Falcao told the club's official website: “I am delighted to be joining Manchester United on loan this season. Manchester United is the biggest club in the world and is clearly determined to get back to the top. I am looking forward to working with Louis van Gaal and contributing to the team’s success at this very exciting period in the club’s history.”

Louis van Gaal said: “I am delighted Radamel has joined us on loan this season. He is one of the most prolific goalscorers in the game. His appearance-to-goal ratio speaks for itself and, when a player of this calibre becomes available, it is an opportunity not to be missed.”

Transfer Rumours And Paper Review: Tuesday, September 2

Here's the top transfer-related stories in Tuesday's newspapers...

Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo, 29, says Colombia striker Radamel Falcao, 28, will be a fantastic signing for Manchester United. (Daily Mirror)

Liverpool striker Fabio Borini's £10m move to QPR broke down because the 23-year-old could not agree personal terms. (Daily Mail)

The Reds are likely to sign former Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes, 32, as a free agent in October. (Independent)

Toronto FC striker Jermain Defoe, 31, failed in his attempts to find a Premier League club on deadline day despite travelling to England to push through a deal. (Daily Telegraph)

And here are the latest talkSPORT.com transfer tales...

Wenger targeting deadline day move for injured Giroud replacement

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has admitted he is targeting a transfer deadline day swoop for another top striker to replace injured frontman Olivier Giroud.

The north London club confirmed this week that France international Giroud is set for a lengthy stint on the sidelines after undergoing surgery on a broken ankle, and is unlikely to return to action before the New Year.

That leaves £35million summer signing Alexis Sanchez plus youngsters Yaya Sanogo and Joel Campbell at Wenger’s disposal up front, though the back-up duo are still largely untried at the top level.

The Gunners have been linked with a sensational late move for unsettled Paris Saint-Germain forward Edinson Cavani.

And, asked if his priority ahead of Monday’s fast-approaching 11pm deadline is to strengthen his attacking options, Wenger admitted: “Yes, because we have a big injury there.

“But we still have plenty of players on our bench with a lot of quality, today we had Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Jack Wilshere, Lukas Podolski, Tomas Rosicky, Calum Chambers and Joel Campbell.

“We’re still working very hard but it doesn’t depend only on us, you need all three parties to agree.

“We are open, we work on it, but let's not fool ourselves; Man City lost against Stoke and had strikers, it's not just about buying one player.

"But we want to and we are open to it. The pressure to buy is always there, we have to live with that, we try our best.”

The Gunners’ lack of flair in front of goal was evident as they could only manage a 1-1 draw against Premier League newcomers Leicester City at the King Power Stadium on Sunday.

Sanchez opened the scoring after 20 minutes though the Foxes immediately equalised through Leonardo Ulloa, and Wenger believes the injury to commanding centre-back Laurent Koscielny in the first-half had a lasting effect on the whole team.

He added: “After the injury to Koscielny we lacked that bit of sharpness and creativity to transform our possession into goals.

“We weren’t cautious enough at the end, we could have maybe lost the game because we wanted to win so much.

“Having three away games in the last two weeks, at Besiktas, Everton and here at Leicester, you could see we were mentally a bit jaded.”