VfL Wolfsburg deny Julian Draxler's transfer request
"VfL Wolfsburg will not transfer Julian Draxler in this current window," the Bundesliga club said in a statement, closing the door on Real Madrid.
Julian Draxler had emerged as a target for Real Madrid earlier this week, according to Sky Deutschland, but his current club has put its foot down and insist the Germany midfielder will remain at Wolfsburg.
Transfer request
"VfL Wolfsburg will not transfer Julian Draxler in this current window," said the Bundesliga club in a statement. "In a meeting, Wolfsburg has again explained to Julian Draxler that they will be not able to meet his transfer request."
The 22-year-old joined Wolfsburg to much fanfare last August for 35 million euros from Schalke. But just 12 months later, and with four years still left on his contract, Draxler made it clear in an interview with German daily Bild this week that he wants out.
He has been linked to both Arsenal and Juventus, but will not be granted a transfer before the current window closes on August 31.
Draxler attacks club
In the Bild interview, Draxler also slammed coach Dieter Hecking and director of sport Klaus Allofs for not having spoken to him before initially telling the media he will stay.
But after clear-the-air talks on Wednesday, Hecking says he expects Draxler to knuckle down before Wolfsburg start the German League season at Augsburg on August 27.
"We had a sensible and constructive conversation -- also from Julian's side," Hecking told Sky. "I have to say that he was very professional throughout the talks and we expect him to remain just as professional."
No European football
Having reached the quarter-finals last season on their Champions League debut, Wolfsburg have not even qualified for the Europa League this year.
With their Brazil defender Naldo having joined Schalke, Germany winger Andre Schürrle switching to Borussia Dortmund and striker Max Kruse signing for Werder Bremen, Wolfsburg could ill afford to let another big name go.
But how much Draxler will feature at the start of the season is down to his attitude now.
"It will depend how quickly Julian's thoughts return to VfL again," added Hecking. "I hope he will put in some performances, because he is definitely an important stabilising factor for us."