'In the summer I thought about trying to do something else': PSG midfielder Julian Draxler admits he contemplated leaving French giants amid links with Leeds... but decided to stay and fight for his place under Thomas Tuchel

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Julian Draxler considered leaving Paris Saint-Germain this summer after being linked with a move to the Premier League. 

Leeds United were among a host of clubs vying for the midfielder's signature as Marcelo Bielsa looked to reinforce his squad ahead of their return to the English top-flight. 

However, Draxler decided to stay in the French capital and fight for a place in Thomas Tuchel's squad.   

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Julian Draxler considered leaving the club this summer

The former Schalke player has one year remaining on his current contract with the Ligue 1 champions, and although he insists he has no intention of walking away from the Parc des Princes now, he did admit to contemplating a move earlier in the summer.

'In the summer I thought about trying to do something else,' Draxler told Bild.

'Due to the coronavirus situation, it was ultimately difficult to find a club where I would have said: "Everything fits well together, I definitely want to [come here]".

'That was not the case, so I decided that I would not dare to take a quick shot and keep looking for my chance at Paris.'

When asked if he considered taking a pay cut to see a deal transpire, Draxler said: 'Definitely. The top priority is not to sign a contract with the same salary. The overall package just has to be right.

Draxler had been linked with a move to the Premier League and specifically Leeds United

However, Draxler decided to stay in Paris to fight for a place in Thomas Tuchel's squad

'That I can imagine playing in the club, that good football is played there and that I play an important role - that would be the great sense of a change at this point, one year before the European Championship.

'Next year, things will look easier when I'm free, and another club doesn't have to negotiate a transfer with Paris.'

PSG sporting director Leonardo will be keen to strike a deal with one of Draxler's potential suitors to avoid losing the 27-year-old for free next year.

The Ligue 1 club will also look to earn back £38million they spent on him in 2017 to help offset the financial ramifications of the coronavirus pandemic.