According to Talksport yesterday and a number of articles this morning – reported Arsenal target Benedikt Howedes has shelved contract talks with Schalke for the time being. Apparently this news could encourage a number of premier league clubs (including Arsenal) to make a move for the highly rated defender – whose contract expires in 2014.

Arsenal have been linked with Howedes off and on for a number of years now – although there has never been any evidence to back up our reported interest. But as we know that Arsenal have increased their scouting network in Germany and as we’ve played Schalke twice in the Champions league – Wenger will obviously be aware of Howedes and his ability. But it is very unlikely that Wenger will be the only one looking at him. United have also previously been linked with Howedes – and with Ferdinand due a Zimmer frame and with Vidic as healthy as Diaby – Ferguson will be on the look out for a commanding centre half. It’s also worth mentioning that Howedes can play across the back line rather than just at centre half – something will increase the interest in him further.

We will have undoubtedly taken a look at Howedes – as most other Champions League clubs will have done. But talk of us making a move for him is very premature. His contract talks have just been put on hold until the summer – they haven’t “broken down” – and I’d guess that this information has been leaked to the press by his agents to generate further interest thus enhancing his contract prospects. I’d imagine that we will be looking for a defender what with potentially Djourou and Squeakylacci being shown the door and Miguel leaving on loan in this window. But as any potential move for Howedes would likely be in the summer and as we will probably be looking for a defender sooner rather than later – I think that is unlikely that we will make a move for him. In truth – I think that the Olsson rumour is much closer to the mark in regards to a defender target.

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