Schalke general manager Horst Heldt has confirmed that Dutch striker Klaas Jan Huntelaar could be available this summer for a sum of £17m.
The Dutchman has been in terrific form for the Bundesliga side last season and has been able to resurrect a downhill career. The striker has been on the radar of Manchester United for a long time and Sir Alex Ferguson even tried to sign him a couple of seasons back when he was at Real Madrid. Huntelaar banged in 29 goals last season and ended as the second highest goal scorer in the Bundesliga behind Bayern Munich’s Mario Gomez.
Arsenal are also believed to be monitoring the situation of the 28 year old after Heldt revealed that the player has a buy out clause of £17m in his contract. With Robin Van Persie’s future still uncertain, Wenger is expected to buy him from Schalke this summer.
“Huntelaar does have a €20 million buyout clause, and the rich club can afford it,” Heldt told Bild.
“But, Klaas Jan has always stressed that he wants to be a champion. This he can be only with Real or Barcelona in Spain.
“I do not think he wants to go there. What would he do there? Since nothing more than the weather is better.”
In spite of inviting the La Liga heavyweights to prize away the prolific striker from Germany, it is believed Premier League duo of United and Arsenal are the top contenders to get this man. Dimitar Berbatov could very well be leaving this summer, as he was linked to PSG and Sir Alex could replace the big Bulgarian with Huntelaar. Wenger meanwhile continues his search for the right replacement for Van Persie in case the player chooses not to renew his contract. Huntelaar could prove to be a quality signing for either clubs as he is believed to succeed in the physical football of England.