Tottenham Showing Interest But Schalke Lead Race For Arsenal Hitman - Report

Schalke are Tottenham Hotspur are both interested in signing Arsenal striker Lukas Podolski, according to reports in Germany.

Podolski signed for the Gunners only last summer, becoming an eventual replacement for Robin van Persie alongside Olivier Giroud.

The German international scored 16 goals and made 11 assists in his first season at the Emirates Stadium but Arsene Wenger continues to pursue a new striker despite giving up on a move for Luis Suarez.

But Bild is reporting that the hitman -who joined from Cologne in the summer of 2012 - is in high demand and as Wenger reportedly firms up his interest in Real Madrid's Karim Benzema, and the German publication claims that Tottenham have made an enquiry over Podolski's availability.

Galatasaray and Wolfsburg have also made their interest in the star clear, but Schalke are leading the way after manager Horst Heldt refused to deny the pursuit, telling reporters: "There's nothing I can say [on that subject now]."

For fans Wenger has been frustratingly inactive in the transfer window, having yet to add any senior players to his attack which last season was without Van Persie who joined Manchester United.

Theo Walcott was the side's top scorer for the 2012/13 campaign with 21 but the north London club remain without a forward to spearhead their challenge this season.

Meanwhile Tottenham have already signed four players and are believed to be close to completing deals for Brazilian winger Willian and Roma striker Erik Lamela.

And if the reports are to be believed, Spurs are also interested in landing Podolski in what would be an unlikely move from the red half of north London.

However, in all likelihood Schalke will beat Tottneham to Podolski's signature if Wenger is indeed willing to allow the German to leave the club.