Friday, 30th November, 2012
Schalke are eyeing up a swoop for Nicklas Bendtner if Klaas-Jan Huntelaar joins Arsenal in the January transfer window, according to Tutto Mercato.
The Ruhr giants are battling to keep hold of Huntelaar, whose contract in Gelsenkirchen expires next summer, but are alive to the possibility that he could depart in January.
Arsenal are viewed as the front-runners for Huntelaar’s signature, a fact confirmed by ex-Holland striker Erik Meijer recently, although Schalke and Huntelaar himself were at pains to deny Meijer’s claims that a deal is all but done.
Nevertheless, it would be no surprise to see the 29-year-old land at the Emirates Stadium, ultimately replacing his international colleague and striking rival Robin van Persie, who left Arsenal for Manchester United in the summer.
And this has caused Huub Stevens’ men to look at possible replacements for Huntelaar.
Schalke have cast their eyes towards Italy, where Bendtner is currently struggling to make an impact at Juventus.
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The Denmark international is on a season-long loan at the Italian champions from Arsenal, but has hardly featured in Serie A, with the word that Bianconeri coach Antonio Conte is unconvinced of his qualities.
A cutting short of his loan and either inclusion in any deal which takes Huntelaar to Arsenal, or a separate agreement, is a distinct possibility.
Bendtner would provide Schalke with an instant replacement for Huntelaar and also not break the bank, another factor which would be beneficial for the Bundesliga outfit.
It remains to be seen if Huntelaar does choose to join Arsenal in January though, especially as he has gone on record as saying he will finish the season at Schalke, regardless of developments on his contract.
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