Benedikt Howedes has told Kicker that he has rejected a move to Arsenal in order to stay in Germany. The German World Cup winner admits he had to turn down both Arsenal and AC Milan in order to commit himself to Schalke.

The 27-year-old, who has been capped by Germany on 32 occasions, revealed that he had to think long and hard before deciding to stay with the German outfit.

“These two clubs [Arsenal and AC Milan] were really interested.” said Howedes.

“But in the end I decided to stay at Schalke.”

The defender is captain of Schalke who finished 6th in last season’s Budesliga. The West German side will be hoping for much better next season, and will surely be aiming for nothing less than a Champions League spot.

Arsenal are certainly on the hunt for defenders this summer, and Howedes was a big target of Wengers. He can play at left-back as well as in his preferred role as a left sided centre-back. The Gunners will be frustrated that they have missed out on the defender, but will know Wenger is yet to give up his search for a new recruit in defence.

Arsene Wenger is almost certain to splash the cash this summer. It is widely believed that he is in for a central defender, a defensive midfielder and a striker. All of which would bring more hope to the sides chances of winning the Premier League once again.