Matthaus warns clubs off purchasing 'weak character' Draxler

Former Germany captain Lothar Matthaus has slammed VfL Wolfsburg midfielder Julian Draxler due to his efforts to engineer a move away from the club, warning potential interested parties he's a "weak character."

The 23-year-old switched FC Schalke 04 for Wolfsburg in the summer of 2015 amid reported interest from Italian leviathan Juventus, and is now allegedly being eyed by Arsenal. And, with his employer looking to be embroiled in a relegation battle this term, Draxler wants to jump ship.

Related: Want-away Draxler accepts boos from Wolfsburg supporters

It's not as if it's his teammates who aren't producing the goods, with Draxler's personal productivity suffering a severe slump. In 2015-16, the Germany international fashioned five goals and six assists in 21 Bundesliga appearances, but has no strikes or helpers in 11 league outings this term.

"He is also to be held responsible for where Wolfsburg stand right now," Matthaus opined in Bild, with translation from ESPN FC's Stephan Uersfeld.

"I say very clearly: I would currently not sign Draxler as a top club because of his weak character.

"He might be a talent, but he has not shown he can make a difference at the highest level on a permanent basis."

Draxler has a lofty €75-million release clause written into his contract that expires in 2020 in Lower Saxony, but Matthaus believes Die Wolfe would accept a fee around €40 million. Wolfsburg paid Schalke that same amount 18 months ago.