THE TRANSFER COLUMN: Schalke look to ward off Liverpool interest in wonderkid Avdijaj, Valencia back in for Hernandez and Everton target Fazio
Julian Draxler's anticipated departure from Schalke this summer has prompted the club to put a prohibitive asking price on their next rising star.
Donis Avdijaj is a 17-year-old forward who has scored 59 goals in 53 games for the Schalke U17 side and is being touted as the new Mezut Ozil with his potential considered greater than Draxler and his 18-year-old club mate Max Meyer.
Liverpool have long been credited with interest in Avdijaj but talks have been ongoing over a new contract and now reports in German daily Bild claim a release clause has been put in place for £41million which is £4million more than Draxler's.
Avdijaj is yet to play a first team game for Schalke but impressed at their winter camp.
Schalke sporting director Horst Heldt said: 'We do not comment on the contract contents of our players. But Donis is an attacking player with outstanding qualities.'
Heldt confirmed Arsenal did not offer enough for Draxler last month and reports persist that Bayern Munich have asked to be kept informed should anyone make an offer for him in the summer.
Arsenal are showing interest in young French goalkeeper Alphonse Areola as a potential replacement for Lukasz Fabianski in the summer. The 20-year-old is on loan from Paris St Germain at Ligue 2 Lens.