Meyer defends decision to leave Schalke 04

Reported Tottenham and Arsenal target Max Meyer has defended his decision to leave German side Schalke 04 on a free transfer this summer. The midfielder's contract at the club will expire and Meyer will head for pastures new at the conclusion of the deal.

Meyer has been slammed in the press by Schalke's board for rejecting multiple contract offers, but the German player has been quick to defend his decision:  "It was never about the money. Otherwise, I would have accepted the second, improved offer. And that's why I think it's a disgrace when Clemens Tonnies tries to make it look like it's only about the money for me.

"I just wanted to leave Schalke and no longer work under Christian Heidel. That's the truth. Recently, it felt like mobbing here.

Meyer then went on to accuse Schalke of bullying him as he departs the team: "Lately, it just feels like bullying to me. I did not want to come out and talk. I've just had enough of always reading something about myself, but neither Heidel nor Tonnies talked to me."

Arsenal are believed to be in pole position to secure Meyer's coveted signature in the summer.