3 Transfer Options Instead of Julian Draxler for Arsenal

It seems Arsenal could be set to miss out on Julian Draxler.

The German attacking midfielder was linked with a move to the Gunners throughout the January transfer window. According to John Cross of The Mirror, Arsene Wenger had earmarked Draxler as the man to supplement Arsenal's title charge.

Disappointingly, a move ultimately failed to materialise.

Ben Jefferson of The Express now writes that Arsenal fear they may have "lost" Draxler to Bayern Munich. The German giants are reportedly preparing a deal to take Draxler to the Allianz Arena in the summer of 2015, and Arsenal feel powerless to prevent it.

However, Draxler is not the only option for the Gunners. In this piece, we look at three players who could provide an alternative to the German whiz-kid. 

If Wenger is set to miss out on Draxler, as is rumoured, he could do worse than turn his attention to Real Sociedad’s Antoine Griezmann.

The Frenchman has caught the eye with his sparkling performances in La Liga.

However, Arsenal scout Gilles Grimandi has raised doubts over Griezmann's big-game potential, per Sky Sports:

He clearly has something. There is no question about that.

But in the Champions League during very high level matches, he suffered. Notably against Manchester United.

Regardless, Griezmann's record this season speaks volumes about his potential. According to WhoScored.com, he has 15 La Liga goals in just 24 starts.

Wenger will surely be keeping an eye on this prolific young winger.

Barcelona's Cristian Tello could be another option for Wenger. Like Draxler, he would offer Arsenal speed and skill in the wide areas.

According to Jefferson, Arsenal were interested in pursuing a loan move for Tello in January. Come the summer, they could be tempted to try to do a permanent deal.

Tello has made just two starts in La Liga for Barcelona this season, and he would surely be tempted by the prospect of more first-team football. His direct style would be a good match for Arsenal. 

Arda Turan has been one of the undoubted stars of this season's La Liga.

Diego Costa may have grabbed the goals and the headlines, but Turan is absolutely vital to Atletico Madrid's effervescent attacking style.

Excitingly, he has already indirectly declared his interest in a switch to London.

Speaking to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo (via Jack De Menezes of The Independent), agent Ahmet Bulut said of his client:

"He is interested in working under Arsene Wenger and Arda would like to play in England."

Turan wouldn't come cheap, but his versatility and talent would make him a great addition for Arsenal.