Klass-Jan Huntelaar is the subject of intense interest from three top English clubs as he enters the final year of his contract with Bundesliga side Schalke.
- By David Lee Wheatley
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Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur are all rumoured to be readying January bids for Dutch striker Klass-Jan Huntelaar, while the 31-year-old is yet to commit to a new agreement with current club Schalke.
The German Bundesliga outfit are desperate to hold onto their prize asset and are set to offer him a lucrative deal to stay in Gelsenkirchen for the long-term.
However, Huntelaar may feel the time is right to experience a new adventure in the Premier League after previous failed stints in Spain and Italy with Real Madrid and Milan respectively.
It could be that the Dutchman has designs on making a significant impact on one of the world’s top-three domestic competitions in an effort to finally prove himself at that exalted level.
Huntelaar first broke through in his native Netherlands with Apeldoorn, Heerenveen and Ajax prior to a big-money move to Real Madrid. Unfortunately, he never truly fitted in at the Bernabeu and left for Milan after less than one full season in Spain. Matters didn’t get much better at the San Siro, with his spell in Italy lasting only a year.
It was once he got to Schalke that Huntelaar finally rediscovered his goalscoring touch and that fine form over the last four campaigns has encouraged strong interest in him.
Not only is his record in front of goal attractive to potential suitors, but also they’ll be expecting a bargain fee if completing a mid-season transfer, with the Dutch international becoming a free agent next summer.
On the other hand, Huntelaar has been incredibly happy in the blue jersey of Schalke and may be willing to sign an extension should the club offer him favourable terms.
One nagging thought will be going through his mind – with his advancing years creeping up on him, a move to London or Merseyside represents probably the final chance he’ll get to test his talents in the Premier League. Should he stay with Schalke, he can most likely kiss goodbye to any opportunities in the Premier League further down the line.
It’s going to be a very difficult decision for the deadly Dutchman to make.
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He will be well suited in Arsenal.