Benedikt Howedes on Arsenal's radar

FC Schalke captain Benedikt Howedes is being tracked by Arsenal scouts. The defender is being lined up as cover for Thomas Vermaelen who has spent the last two seasons on the sidelines recovering from injury.

The 23 year old defender is very highly rated in Germany, and at 6 foot 2 would be a welcome addition in the Arsenal defence, who have struggled for consistency so far this year.

The defender has already played over 100 games for Schalke, and also played four games for the full Germany national team.

Schalke do not want to sell their star defender, but reports of a 15m GBP offer from Arsenal would be difficult to turn down.