Arsenal Make Approach For Man Utd Target With Player Keen On Premier League Move

As the opening of the summer transfer window approaches, managers are working hard identifying targets and lining-up potential deals so we’ll bring you all the news and gossip. Today, Arsenal make their move for Benedikt Howedes….

Arsenal have made an approach for Schalke defender Benedikt Howedes but will face competition from Manchester United for his signature, according to reports.

Howedes has been with Schalke his entire professional career having joined the clubs youth system as a teenager in 2001 and he’s risen through the ranks to become a permanent fixture in their defence since making his senior debut in 2008.

The 27-year-old’s impressive form has led to speculation of a move away from the Veltins Arena with Arsenal and Manchester United reportedly keeping close tabs on his progress last season.

Howedes admitted earlier this year that he’ll never join another team in the Bundesliga and would look to try his luck in the Premier League when he leaves Schalke.

“If I am to leave Schalke one day, I do not want to move clubs within the Bundesliga,”

“Schalke is too close to my heart to do so. But a move abroad at a certain time would be worth an experience. England would be my goal.” Howedes is quoted as saying by the Daily Star.

It looks like the Gunners have now stolen a march on their rivals as the Daily Star cite reports coming out of Germany which claim the North Londoners have made an offer for the defender.

The original source of the information comes from publication Kicker, but no specific details over the precise nature of the offer have been given, so it’s best to take the report with a punch of salt until something more concrete comes out.

But if Kicker’s story proves to be accurate, it’s an interesting move by Arsene Wenger and it would be intriguing to see where Howedes would fit into his plans if he successfully lures the German international to the Emirates.

The World Cup winner is predominantly a centre-back but unless the likes of Per Mertesacker is planning on leaving Arsenal, Wenger wasn’t expected to strengthen the centre of his defence having brought in Gabriel in January.

However, Howedes is also capable of playing at left-back and with Nacho Monreal heavily linked with a return to Spain, perhaps Wenger is planning to play him on the left side of his defence next season.

READ MORE –> Arsenal transfer news | Man Utd transfer news

It remains to be seen whether United step up their interest but Louis van Gaal is expected to be busy in the transfer market this summer and Howedes could be the ideal addition to his defence as he can play in more than one position.