By Laure James
PUBLISHED: 04:47 EST, 30 December 2012 | UPDATED: 05:19 EST, 30 December 2012
Wanted man: Holtby has signalled his intention to leave Schalke
Schalke midfielder Lewis Holtby will talk with Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham in January to discuss a possible move in the summer.
The Germany Under 21 captain has refused his club's offer of a new deal and his immediate ambition is to move to the Premier League.
All three English clubs are fighting for the midfielder and will be queuing up to open talks in the new year, according to the Mirror.
The 22-year old already has British connections; his father is English and Holtby was eligible to play for England before he declared for his country of birth, Germany.
Schalke has been a key scouting territory for Arsenal this season and Holtby featured in their group stage clashes in the Champions League.
The Bundeliga outfit were hoping he would follow another Arsenal target, Holland striker Klaas Jan Huntelaar, in committing his future to the club, but board member Horst Heldt was forced to concede defeat.
Gunner get ya: Arsenal are in the hunt for Holtby's signature
'We had hoped Lewis saw his future at Schalke beyond the end of this season,' said Heldt. 'But he has made a personal decision that we respect.
'We are sure he will give everything between now and the end of the season.'
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"If the stories true he'll go to tottenham as they pay over the odds on wages. - Steven, Liverpool, 30/12/2012 " Over the top wages at Spurs oh my, Levi would have a chuckle at that amusing if not a little deluded comment as I am!
- load of bs , park lane N17, 30/12/2012 13:03
It's actually laughable when you read comments like qazmel from Spain 'if arsenal or Tottenham want him them liverpool can forget it because he won't want to join a mid table club will he'. I think we (Liverpool) have enjoyed the lions share of trophies and success over the decades, yes we have had a couple of mediocre seasons but still managed to pick up silverware and finish top half during these times. This coupled with the FACT hotly himself has spoken about not ruling out a move to Liverpool shows you know very little about the player your judging or our club for that matter. Yes Tottenham are enjoying a more successful run than us this past season or two but your way off he mark if you think that would gives you the right to write LFC off, some of the worlds best players still hold our club in the highest regard, something us loyal (not good time fans) are very proud of. Wherever he goes it will be good to see how he fairs in the premier league, he looks a real talent.
- Scott , Liverpool, 30/12/2012 11:54
Could be a long term replacement for Arteta. Would be a good signing but Arsenal possibly need a midfielder with a bit more aggression. Wanyama from Celtic would be a better signing. Capoue an even better one.
- Neilano , Bangkok, Thailand, 30/12/2012 11:43
Steve, you mean like Joe Cole at L'Pool? Or Stewart Downining or Jordan Henderson on 60 - 70k a week? Don't make me laugh. any player in his right mind would choose Spurs or Arsenal over a mid table side. You may have amazing history but so do Leeds and look where they are in their league - 9th. Liverpool fans really need to get over the fact that they're not the team they used to be.
- Nick , England, 30/12/2012 11:18
Good player but where will he fit into the Arsenal team? Maybe on the wing but cant see him replacing Carzola, Wilshire or Arteta. Great cover though!
- RichRoberts44 , Worcester, 30/12/2012 11:17
If he goes to Spuds, he will be overpaid and will not get his chance to shine in the BPL. If he goes to Liverpool, he will have a couple of seasons hard work taking them back up to where they belong before he can enjoy success. If he comes to Arsenal, he will have to compete for his starting place with 3 of the best midfielders in the BPL until he is proven, will get the chance to work with one of the best managers in the world with a talent for developing young players and should be more confident of Champions league football...so it depends if he is thinking short term (Spuds), medium term (Liverpool) or long term (Arsenal)
- Nero , UK, 30/12/2012 11:05
If Arsenal or Tottenham really do want the player then Liverpool can forget it because he won't want to join a mid table club will he?
- Qazmel , Altea, Spain, 30/12/2012 10:37
If the stories true he'll go to tottenham as they pay over the odds on wages.
- Steven , Liverpool, 30/12/2012 10:24
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Sign for Everton the team your dad supports then show him around the place and take him to see the 9 league titles won and all by hard work and not from a sugar daddy helping to rig the league!
- Kelly , Liverpool, United Kingdom, 30/12/2012 13:12
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