Arsenal have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of striker Klaas-Jan-Huntelaar after being told they can’t afford him by Shalke’s general manger Horst Heldt.

The Dutch striker is out of contract in the summer and Wenger is still looking to cover the loss of star striker Robin van Persie last season. However Heldt believes the Gunners will be priced out of a move.

“There have been no offers or any sign of Klaas-Jan leaving. If someone comes to us six months before the expiry date, and has a lot of money, we will deal with it. But from Arsenal circles we hear there is no money anyway,” Heldt told the Sun.

The under pressure Gunners boss has looked increasingly frustrated in recent weeks, promising his own fans that funds would be available to strengthen the squad after the club secured a new £150million sponsorship deal with Emirates last week. It is believed that he was hoping a £6million bid in January would be enough to sign the striker.

Heldt’s comments suggest Wenger may need to increase his valuation for 29-year-old Huntelaar who scored in both games against Arsenal for Schalke in this season's Champions League group stages.

Huntelaar has been a revelation in Germany and notched up 29 goals in 32 Bundesliga games last season. His contract situation and the fact that he could leave on a free in the summer if a deal isn’t agreed in January could however work in Wenger’s favour in terms of striking a cheap deal.

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