Arsenal are interested in signing Schalke 04 star Benedikt Howedes for around €17 million according to German publication Kicker.
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The 27-year-old has a contract until 2017 with the Bundesliga outfit, but is still available to teams for the relatively low price due to a release clause. However, as the defender is captain of Die Knappen, they are likely to put every effort into keeping him at the Veltins-Arena.
The clause gives the Gunners the possibility of recruiting the talented defender though, and he could potentially be a valuable addition for the North London side.
Howedes can play anywhere across the back four, but typically features at centre-back.
With Per Mertesacker often criticised for his lack of pace there could be a vacancy there, and the Germany international could also cover for Nacho Monreal and young Hector Bellerin in the full-back berths.
Howedes showed his great ability during the last World Cup, playing every minute of the tournament for the victorious Germans. Die Mannschaft conceded just four goals in their seven tournament games, two of which came in their group game against Ghana.