Schalke defender Benedikt Howedes has revealed that despite interests from Arsenal FC and AC Milan, he has decided to stay at the club.
Benedikt Howedes endured a fairly disappointing season with Schalke 04 as the club failed to qualify for the Champions League. Initial reports suggested that this could force the 27-year-old to consider his future at the club, with his current contract expiring in 2017. Both AC Milan and Arsenal have been linked with the German international, and now the defender has confirmed that despite interests from both these clubs, he has decided to extend his stay at Schalke.
“I know that AC Milan and Arsenal were interested in me, but finally my instinct has made me staya a The Schalke captain said.
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Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil had earlier urged Howedes to join the Premier League as he feels that physical nature of the league will suit his style. But it seems like the London club will have to shift to their focus on another target.
Arsenala s interest in Howedes does come as a bit of surprise considering the fact that they have signed Gabriel Paulista in the winter transfer window. Arsenal now have four center backs in the first team squad, and unless Wenger is planning to sell someone, it seems unlikely that there will another new addition. Moreover Howedes has also faced a lot of fitness concerns and the last thing the London club need is another player who is a regular visitor to the treatment table.
Schalke sporting director Horst Heldt has also revealed that the club has received two bids for the defender, but is glad that Howedes has decided to stay with them.
“Benedikt Howedes will remain at Schalke.
“There were two offers from abroad. We are happy he decided to stay here.” a Heldt confirmed in an interview.
Arsenal have also been linked with Espanyol center back Hector Moreno by Spanish media, so however unlikely it may seem, Arsene Wenger could be looking for a fifth center back this summer.