Germany international Benedikt Howedes has declared that he turned down the chance to play for Arsenal next season after deciding to stay at his current club Schalke.
The 27 year old Germany centre back, who has 32 caps for his country, is quoted as saying:
“Milan and Arsenal have really been keen on my services, this is what I am able to confirm,”
I told myself I do not want to leave this way. I am a key player of this club.”
With fellow country man Per Mertesacker looking increasingly statuesque at the back and Gabriel Paulista yet to really bed in at Arsenal, Arsene Wenger may well look to add another experienced player to the back line this summer.
And Howedes would have been a safe pair of hands and not costed the earth. His decision to play on for Schalke will come as something of a blow.
Howedes has become a stalwart for the club in his six plus years with the first team. Across all of the club’s sides he has played 275 times and scored 20 goals. He’s the sort of big lad who Arsenal could have used and would have probably found The Premier League quite well suited to his physical style.
But he isn’t that quick and he may well have struggled with the pace of the game in England.
Arsenal fans: a big blow or should you be after a pacy player for the back line?
