We have been linked with a move for Schalke defender Benedikt Howedes in the past (via the Metro), and were reportedly back in for him this summer. Sky Sports claim he rejected a move to the Emirates however, with the German international choosing to remain in the Bundesliga.
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The 27-year-old is a quality centre-back, and has been solid and reliable for both club and country in recent years.
The Sky Sports report suggests that both we and AC Milan were looking to lure him away from Schalke, but after being there his entire career, Howedes had no interest in leaving.
“Arsenal and AC Milan were really keen on my services,” he said, as quoted by Sky Sports.
“But I have decided in favour of Schalke.”
A centre-back isn’t particularly what we need at the moment, as we currently have decent depth in that area. Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny are unquestionably our preferred first choice pairing at the moment, but Gabriel Paulista looks capable of forcing his way into the side. Calum Chambers also seems to be a great prospect, and we have players like Mathieu Debuchy and Nacho Monreal are able to fill in when needed.
Our funds could be far better used elsewhere, so it may well be a good thing that we’ve missed out on Howedes.