Schalke have confirmed that they are not interested in signing Chelsea’s Andre Schurrle or Arsenal striker Lukas Podolski in the January transfer window.
Both players have been linked with a return to the Bundesliga after failing to cement their places for their respective clubs and Schalke were heavily linked following the arrival for former Chelsea boss Roberto di Matteo, who wants to re-build his side.
However, the club have reacted by insisting neither player is in their plans.
“We’re not considering Andre Schurrle at all,” sporting director Horst Heldt told Sport Bild magazine, “and the same goes for Xherdan Shaqiri and Lukas Podolski.”
Whilst, Schurrle is more confident of his place at Chelsea, Arsenal forward Podolski has been told by German national coach to consider his position.
“It’s in my plans that Podolski will play from the start,” Low told reporters. “I’m aware he doesn’t play a lot right now for Arsenal. He needs to play competitive games. Sometimes he lacks the physical condition to play the full 90 minutes.
“He has to think about his situation. I’m still convinced about his abilities, but he needs high intensity.”