Tottenham Hotspur are said to be unwilling to let Lewis Holtby join Schalke 04 as they fear it would pave the way for Julian Draxler to sign for Arsenal.
The German side have reportedly targeted a short-term move for their former player as a possible replacement for the £37m-rated Draxler, who has continually been linked with the Gunners.
According to The Mirror, Spurs chairman Daniel Levy wants to avoid another situation such as the one that occurred in the summer, when Gareth Bale's move to Real Madrid saw Mesut Ozil depart the Bernabeu for the Emirates.
Holtby, who has scored three goals in 21 appearances this season, is believed to be keen on a return to the Veltins-Arena.