Arsenal Transfer News: Gunners Wise to Pursue Klaas-Jan Huntelaar This January

Arsenal ended the summer transfer window by signing forward Danny Welbeck, but the Gunners would be wise to keep Dutch striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar on the back burner.

The Gunners were linked with a move for the 31-year-old on deadline day, per German newspaper Junge Welt (h/t Daily Express reporter Jamie Anderson). Now Daily Express writer Anthony Chapman believes Arsenal could try again, before Schalke 04 agree a new contract with the Dutchman:

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SCHALKE are set to offer star striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar a new contract in a bid to ward off interest from Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham.

The predatory hitman had been tipped to join the Gunners on transfer deadline day before Arsene Wenger was alerted to the availability of Manchester United's Danny Welbeck.

Huntelaar has less than a year remaining on his current deal, and the Schalke hierarchy are determined not to lose him on a free transfer.

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Gunners boss Arsene Wenger should move to capitalise on Huntelaar's uncertain future with a cheap offer during the January transfer window. Huntelaar would give Wenger's squad the one thing it doesn't have right now, namely a natural striker who is a clinical finisher.

Being prolific in front of goal has defined Huntelaar's career. He's a true finisher, at once a poacher in the box, as well as technically efficient and powerful enough to lead the line as a lone front man.

Huntelaar would fit in well with Arsenal's brand of combination-based, attacking football. He would certainly be an upgrade over misfiring young prospect Yaya Sanogo, wayward finisher Welbeck and currently crocked target man Olivier Giroud.

That dubious trio represents Wenger's existing options at centre-forward. The rest of his attacking line is populated by wide forwards and supporting strikers.

Players such as Lukas Podolski, Joel Campbell, Theo Walcott and Alexis Sanchez are all better suited to supplementing a main striker. For now, the Gunners will be hoping Welbeck can act as their natural focal point up front.

More regular games through the middle could certainly help. Many believe Welbeck will make the grade at Arsenal.

Alastair Grant/Associated Press

Ex-England striker Michael Owen is the latest to endorse the transfer, per Daily Star reporter Paul Brown:

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I think he is a pretty good buy for Arsenal. They are the big winners here, with Danny himself. I can see him really improving.

With Arsenal I think he will be given that chance to play in the middle and I think it could be one of the signings of the summer.

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However, there's no denying Welbeck has a more than sketchy recent track record in front of goal. He has just 10 Premier League goals in the last two seasons, per WhoScored.com.

Being able to call on a true predator like Huntelaar would be a massive boost to this season's title bid. Wenger could need that option when considering Giroud's fitness could still be a question mark to start the new year.

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The towering Frenchman will be sidelined until the end of December, per BBC Sport. Giroud will take time to get back to full fitness and find his best form.

But at a critical point in the season, the Gunners may not be able to afford to wait. Huntelaar would be excellent cover, not only for Giroud, but also as insurance against Welbeck's finishing woes continuing.

Of course, all of this depends on Huntelaar being available. Schalke are working hard to keep him in the Bundesliga.

Director Horst Heldt denied Arsenal made any late bid for the striker this summer, per German publication Kicker (h/t London Evening Standard):

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There was no approach from Arsenal or from any other club.

Klaas-Jan is part of Schalke's core. We can definitely see him sign a contract renewal here.

He is a great player, an absolute modern professional. He's always hungry for success and wants to achieve his goals.

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At this stage of his career, Huntelaar wouldn't need to be considered a guaranteed starter. But he would be an invaluable member of the squad at a position where Arsenal can't have enough credible options.

The Netherlands international would be a very smart signing this winter.