Arsenal and Liverpool have shown an interest in signing Dutch star Ibrahim Afellay in recent months but it appears the winger may make his loan spell at Schalke permanent, according to talkSPORT.

Afellay starred in Schalke’s shock 2-0 victory at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night in the Champions League group stage and it seems performances like that have prompted the German club to sign the player permanently.

Afellay is on a season long loan from Barcelona and it seems the winger is surplus to requirements at the Nou Camp, so a scramble for his signature may still be on.

Arsenal and Liverpool would have to make extremely convincing arguments as to why the Dutchman should move to England though as he is clearly enjoying his football in Germany both domestically and in Europe and Schalke look set to make their move.

“Afellay outright to Schalke? If he maintains his current form there is a good possibility," Schalke general manager Horst Heldt told Bild.