Schalke defender Benedikt Howedes confirms interest from Arsenal

Schalke centre-back Benedikt Howedes says both Arsenal and Inter Milan are after him this summer, however the German World Cup winner wants to remain in the Bundesliga.

The 27 year old made 28 starts in the German top flight last season as Schalke missed out on qualification for the Champions League and saw manager Roberto di Matteo sacked at the end of the campaign.

But instead of jumping ship amid Schalke's woes, Howedes has committed to the Veltins-Arena side despite confirming that both Arsenal and Inter have expressed an interest in him.

"Inter Milan and Arsenal have really been keen on my services, this is what I am able to confirm," he told Kicker Magazine.

"Still I have not opted against them, I have decided in favour of FC Schalke 04. My job is not done here yet. And, especially after last season, I told myself I do not want to leave this way. I am a key player for this club."

Howedes was an ever-present for Germany as they won the 2014 World Cup in Brazil last summer, and his decision to remain at Schalke is a big blow to several of Europe's heavyweights.

Arsenal's interest in Howedes comes as a surprise after Arsene Wenger had confirmed the club would not be pursuing a defender during the summer transfer window.

Gabriel Paulista joined Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker in January, and with Calum Chambers set for a long-term stint in the middle Wenger had indicated that a central defender would not be among his targets this summer.

"Four is enough," Wenger said of his available options. "[Mathieu] Debuchy can play there, [Nacho] Monreal can play there, so you can say we are not out to buy a central defender. And Gabriel will be a great central defender, believe me."