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Agent reveals talks with Arsenal over signing Bundesliga defender

By on September 14, 2017

The agent of Benedikt Howedes has revealed that he held talks with Arsenal about signing the defender as a possible replacement for Shkodran Mustafi, according to the Express.

Mustafi was strongly linked with a move to Inter Milan during the closing days of the summer transfer window and it led to speculation that Arsene Wenger was eyeing Howedes as a replacement.

The German international had been with Schalke his entire career but was looking for a move away last month after being stripped of his captaincy.

The 29-year-old eventually joined Juventus on a season-long loan deal but his agent, Volker Struth, has now revealed that Arsenal also held talks about a possible move to the Emirates.

Struth also claims that he held negotiations with AS Roma and Leicester as well as Arsenal but Juventus was always the defender’s first choice destination.

The agent is quoted by the Express as telling Sportbild:

“There were talks with AS Roma, Leicester City and Arsenal in London because we heard here that Mustafi was courted by Inter Milan,”

“[But Juventus] was Benni’s favourite from the start. Even if Schalke would have done a great job, you want to go to a club like Juve if the chance is there. Juventus is the jackpot.”

Last week, Wenger moved to deny reports that Mustafi was close to leaving but it seems the boss was telling porkies as it’s now come to light that he did in fact try to sign Howedes as his replacement.

I’m personally pleased that Mustafi ended up staying as I think he’s got the potential to be a top player for Arsenal but his compatriot would have been a fine option had Shkodran ended up at the San Siro.