After a standout season in the Bundesliga, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar is drawing widespread interest from some of Europe’s top outfits with Arsenal now emerging as candidates for the striker’s signature.

The 28 year-old has scored 38 goals for Schalke 04 in just as many games this season, recording 13 assists in the process.

After disappointing stints with Real Madrid and AC Milan, Huntelaar appears to have rediscovered the scoring form that saw him attract worldwide interest during his days with Ajax.

To add to Arsenal’s hopes, the forward has stated that he may be open to a departure from Gelsenkirchen but would still command a price-tag in excess of £16m.

Huntelaar will have just a year remaining on his contract with Schalke at the end of this season and rather than let their asset go on a free in 2013, the German outfit may take advantage of the current hype and choose to sell their star this summer.

Should the Dutchman complete a move to the Emirates Stadium, it would recreate his international partnership with Netherlands teammate Robin van Persie.

Between them, the pair have scored 71 goals so far this season and could take the Premier League by storm should they link up on a club level.

However, the apparent interest in Huntelaar could signal the end of van Persie’s time with the Gunners and Huntelaar is instead being looked at as a replacement and not an addition.

The North London club were reported to be interested in fellow Holland international, Luuk de Jong, however Huntelaar would certainly be the more proven of the two on a more established standard.