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Julian Draxler told he will not be allowed to leave Wolfsburg this summer

 Julian Draxler of Wolfsburg celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the Bundesliga match between VfL Wolfsburg and Bayer Leverkusen
Image: Wolfsburg say Draxler will not be allowed to leave the club this summer

Wolfsburg say Julian Draxler will not be allowed to leave this summer, despite his desire to quit the club.

The 22-year-old Germany international has been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal but Wolfsburg had claimed the winger is happy to remain at the Volkswagen Arena for another season.

Draxler hit back at those suggestions and claimed the club have known about his desire to leave for three weeks, adding that he was given assurances he would be allowed to leave the Bundesliga side if one of Europe's "top clubs" came in with an offer for him this summer.

However, Wolfsburg have categorically ruled out selling the player, releasing a statement denying the existence of "any written or verbal agreement made at any time regarding a transfer of Julian Draxler within the current transfer period up to August 31, 2016."

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The statement continued: "This is confirmed by a release clause stipulated with Julian Draxler and his management which only comes into force in the summer of 2017.

"Wolfsburg will not transfer Julian Draxler during the current transfer period. Wolfsburg have explained to Julian Draxler once again in a talk that his express to leave the club cannot be accommodated."

LILLE, FRANCE - JUNE 12:  Julian Draxler of Germany runs with the ball during the UEFA EURO 2016 Group C match between Germany and Ukraine at Stade Pierre-
Image: The 22-year-old impressed for Germany at Euro 2016 earlier this summer

The Bundesliga side said they hope that "now all apparent uncertainties have been resolved, all involved can return to leading a professional, responsible cooperation for the good of Wolfsburg and in particular also our fans."

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Draxler underwent his first training session of pre-season on Wednesday before meeting with club bosses and being informed of their refusal to let him leave.

Image: Draxler only recently signed for Wolfsburg in a five-year deal from Schalke

Earlier he had made clear his desire to leave the club this summer and hit back at previous claims from Wolfsburg that he was happy to stay.

"Before you go public like that, you really should speak with me first," Draxler told German newspaper Bild.

"The situation with me is that I made it clear to [head coach] Dieter Hecking after we were knocked out of Euro 2016 in the semi-final that I would like to leave Wolfsburg.

ST ALBANS, ENGLAND - JULY 21:  at London Colney on July 21, 2016 in St Albans, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Image: Arsenal have been linked with a number of attacking players across Europe this summer

"The coach has known about this for three weeks. It's very surprising that they have been talking about me to the media for weeks.

"I would have expected things to be different, for example for one of them to come to me and ask me how things are with me."

Draxler made 34 appearances for Wolfsburg last season after signing from Bundesliga rivals Schalke in 2015.

Head coach of German Bundesliga football club VfL Wolfsburg, Dieter Hecking
Image: Draxler claims Wolfsburg manager Dieter Hecking knew about his desire to leave for three weeks

Although he signed a five-year deal with Wolfsburg, the highly-rated winger says he was given assurances that he would be allowed to leave if a top European side came in with an offer for him this summer.

"When I joined, I was assured - verbally - that I could leave the club whenever the opportunity arose," Draxler said. "Both Hecking and [sporting director] Klaus Allofs said this. It was clear that Wolfsburg had good prospects, but also that they were a springboard for me.

"It was always clear to everybody that I would like to join a top club in Europe, if I were to get the chance."

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