There was a strong rumor going around that Arsenal and Liverpool have contacted German club Schalke over possible transfer moves for midfielder Lewis Holtby and striker Huntelaar. However it was confirmed by Schalke’s manager Horst Heldt that there has been no concrete offers from any club for the duo.
Premier League targets – Lewis Holtby and Huntelaar.
Arsenal who are a man short in midfield is looking for a potential man to replace the departured Alex Song and it was reported that Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger had set sights on Holtby after an impressive set of performances and especially in the game at Emirates.
Mean while Liverpool are seriously in need of a striker and are solely relied on Luis Suarez in front of goal. Any injuries to the Uruguayan and the Reds could find themselves in serous trouble. Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, who was initially tracked by Wenger has become Liverpool manager Brendan Rodger’s prime target. Both the players have been performing well recently and duo are out of contract at the end of the season which makes the prospect of potential January move.
Speaking to the German Media, Horst Heldt dented both Liverpool and Arsenal’s hope of securing their targets.
“I have actually received no concrete enquiries for them,” he told Deutsche Presseagentur. “In terms of Lewis Holtby, I feel we are in a final phase (of contract talks). A decision could be quite close as it seems to actually be just about details.
“A decision could still be taken after the end of this current calendar year.”
Asked specifically if there was any truth in Liverpool or Arsenal’s reported interest in the two players,
Heldt added: “I am not expecting to get to know any interest from any other club before the newspapers. I would still only consider anything after having received a concrete enquiry. Our main goal is to sign new deals with both players. We want both of them to stay on at Schalke.”