Bad news for Arsenal after German defender Benedikt Howedes has revealed that he turned down an offer to join the Gunners and that he is happy to remain as captain of Bundesliga side Schalke after having been with the club for 14-years.
The 27-year-old central defender had been strongly linked with a move to the Emirates after manager Arsene Wenger earmarked him as a potential replacement for Per Mertesacker.
I am able to confirm that Arsenal and AC Milan have been really keen on my services,’ he said.
‘I wouldn’t say that I have chosen against them, but simply that I have decided in favour of Schalke.
‘My job here is not yet done and after the disappointment of last season I do not want to leave this way.
‘I am a key player of this club and I am staying.’
