No Arsenal offer for Bundesliga hotshot

Schalke claim they have received no offers for Arsenal target Klaas-Jan Huntelaar.

The Gunners were linked with a deadline day move for the Dutch striker, who scored 14 goals in 21 appearances last season.

However Schalke general manager, Horst Heldt, has revealed that the Bundesliga side have received no bids for Huntelaar and have no plans to sell him.

"We have not been receiving any transfer enquires from Arsenal or any other club for Klaas-Jan Huntelaar," Heldt told German magazine Kicker.

"Huntelaar is a fixture at our club. We are definitely able to imagine signing a new contract with him.

"There is no doubt he is a top quality player and a true role model. He is ambitious, determined and truly hungry for success."

Disaster for England! Sturridge ruled out of Switzerland match

England have been dealt a massive blow after it was revealed striker Daniel Sturridge has been ruled out of the opening Euro 2016 qualifier in Switzerland with a thigh injury.

The Liverpool forward, 25, pulled up in training on Friday with the problem and has now returned to his parent club for further assessment.

An FA Spokesman said: “Daniel Sturridge picked up an injury on his thigh in training.

"He has had a scan and will now return to Liverpool FC for treatment. He will play no part in the forthcoming Switzerland match.”

The news will come as a massive blow to Roy Hodgson especially as the Three Lions boss is already tasked with taking a vastly inexperienced squad to Switzerland.

Stalwarts Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole have all retired while a lenghty injury list includes the likes of Theo Walcott, Adam Lallana, Ross Barkley, Michael Carrick, Jay Rodriguez and Andy Carroll.

Hodgson's defensive options are also limited with Kyle Walker, Glen Johnson, Luke Shaw, Jon Flanagan, Chris Smalling and Kieran Gibbs all unavailable, while West Brom goalkeeper Ben Foster and uncapped Newcastle midfielder Jack Colback withdrew from the 22-man squad with injuries this week.

Exclusive - Arsenal legend claims signing Welbeck does NOT make them title contenders

Alan Smith has told talkSPORT Arsenal desperately needed to sign Danny Welbeck, but that it will not turn the Gunners into Premier League title challengers this season.

Arsene Wenger snapped up the England striker from Manchester United for £16million on deadline day as a direct replacement for Olivier Giroud, who is out until the New Year.

And while the north London outfit have bolstered their fragile frontline, Arsenal legend, Smith feels the lack of a classy defensive midfielder will be what costs his former side in their pursuit of glory.

Asked whether Welbeck's arrival makes Arsenal title contenders, the former striker told Drivetime: "I don't think so. In all fairness, I still think they're short behind Chelsea and Manchester City.

"I would have liked to of seen a holding midfielder come in. Whether Arsene Wenger was after one at any point, I don't know. Sami Khedira was mentioned along the way, but he's [Wenger] already got the likes of Mikel Arteta.

"I don't think that's a natural role for Arteta, I don't think it's his best role. I think Arsenal suffer at times when Arteta is playing in that role.

"I don't think he's got the legs to do it these days and that is an area where they're not going to be strong enough."