Arsenal could be in the running for Schalke captain Benedikt Howedes, as the club prepare a list of potential candidates to fill in the role of a defensive utility player, according to Metro.

The Gunners will be full of confidence after convincingly beating Manchester City in the Community Shield tie at Wembley last Sunday and after their last minute 2-1 win over Crystal Palace courtesy of a last gasp winner from Aaron Ramsey in the opening game of the Premier League today.

Thomas Vermaelen has sealed his departure to Barcelona, as the Belgian ended a longstanding battle between the Spanish club and Manchester United for his signature. In his departure, Wenger has lost a wealth of experience which the manager would ideally like to replace in the remainder of the window but he has already appointed Mikael Arteta as club captain.

Howedes began his career with Schalke as a youth player, and climbed through the ranks to earn a spot in the senior squad. The 26-year old primarily operates as a central defender, but can also play as a left back, similar to Vermaelen. Howedes was one of three players including Philipp Lahm and Manuel Neuer picked by coach Joachim Loew in the German national squad that played every minute of the country’s World Cup winning campaign in Brazil so he obviously has excellent pedigree.