By SAMI MOKBEL
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger wants to sign Schalke goalscorer Klass-Jan Huntelaar next month and he could be available for a cut-price £6million.
The Holland international has been watched extensively by Arsenal scouts during the opening weeks of the season.
Manager Wenger is a long-term admirer of the 29-year-old striker and has tried to sign Huntelaar in the past.
The Frenchman has received glowing feedback from his European network of spies regarding the former Real Madrid striker.
And after discussions with influential chief scout Steve Rowley, the Arsenal manager has made a firm decision to make an offer for the centre forward when the transfer window reopens.
Wenger has been told there are substantial funds to spend on signings and a portion of the kitty has already been assigned to the Huntelaar move. Huntelaar’s current deal expires at the end of the season.
But Wenger will not be the only manager in the mix for the big forward, with Liverpool and Tottenham both continuing to be kept updated on his future.
Schalke are still trying to tie Huntelaar down on fresh terms, while it has also been suggested that he could look for a lucrative free transfer at the end of the season.
The German club are understood to be aware of Arsenal’s interest in their star striker, who has scored two Champions League goals against the Gunners this season.
Wenger will also look to tie up a loan deal for Thierry Henry and make a £9m starting bid for Crystal Palace wonder kid Wilfried Zaha.
The club are also in the market for a new goalkeeper, with Liverpool’s Pepe Reina thought to be Wenger’s first choice.
