Schalke

Former Ajax and Real Madrid hitman Huntelaar scored seven goals in Serie A last season, but admitted he had to leave AC Milan after they brought Zlatan Ibrahimovic in on a season-long loan.

Huntelaar said: “It is true I never wanted to leave Milan but that changed when Zlatan Ibrahimovic came from Barcelona.”

Schalke boss Felix Magath told Bild: “Negotiations were tougher than expected. I am happy to have Klaas-Jan. He will help us.”

The Gelsenkirchen outfit were pipped to the Bundesliga trophy last term by Bayern Munich and are desperate to end a 52-year wait for the title, having finished runners-up previously in 2001, 2005 and 2007. But Magath’s side have made a poor start to the season and sit in 15th place after two matches of the season.

After defensive blunders cost the Royal Blues dearly in the 2-1 home defeat to Hannover on Saturday, Magath has been forced into the transfer market for a third time before the deadline.

Despite previously stating that he didn’t need any defenders, he is splashing out on Lille centre back Nicolas Plestan. Schalke had already invested heavily in signing Christophe Metzelder and Raul from Real Madrid.

Bayern (1/2) have been relatively quiet in the transfer market, concentrating on keeping together the squad that reached the Champions League final and claimed the domestic double.

Hamburg (9/1) have started the season well, despite losing defender Jerome Boateng to Manchester City, while Werder Bremen (11/1) could not hold onto playmaker Mesut Ozil.

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Arsenal

The Gunners have seen another season pass by without a trophy and it will be just as difficult next year following the emergence of Manchester City, Tottenham and Aston Villa.

All three clubs, along with Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool, are expected to spend big again in the summer and Wenger needs to be given the cash to compete with them.

The Frenchman is said to be closing in on the signing of Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh who is set to arrive on a free transfer, but it will take more than that to strike fear into their rivals.

Serious money needs to be spent and although chief executive Ivan Gazidis says Wenger will be backed in the transfer market, but the chances are the Frenchman will once again have to be shrewd.

“Arsenal have not had access to the deep pockets of a wealthy investor and we have focused on a path of independence underpinned by a sustainable business model for long-term success,” he revealed.

“With Highbury Square coming to completion and some of our other property developments bearing fruit, we’re now coming to a period where the financial health of the club is secure. That does not mean we have unlimited resources but it does mean we have sufficient funds to invest.”

Scoring goals is not a problem but defence is an area that definitely needs work with William Gallas set to leave on a free transfer, while Mikael Silvestre and Sol Campbell could also be on the way out.

Wenger wants Bolton defender Gary Cahill but it remains to be seen whether he will be able to stump up the £17m that Bolton will be asking for, while Manchester United and Chelsea are also said to be keen.

A new goalkeeper could also be on the agenda as Manuel Almunia has struggled this season while there appears to be no real back up with Lukasz Fabianski blowing every opportunity he gets.

Next season is huge for Arsenal. Star man Cesc Fabregas will only hang around for so long and if the Gunners cannot mount a serious push for domestic and European glory then he is sure to consider his future.

Wenger may struggle to keep hold of him this summer but he will be fighting a losing battle in 12 months time unless the Gunners win some silverware and fast.

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