Arsenal Transfer News: Benedikt Howedes Sparks Rumours, Latest on Arturo Vidal

German defender Benedikt Howedes has caught the eye of Arsenal and Manchester United after "refusing to commit his future to Schalke," according to reports.

Kicker (h/t Bruce Archer of the Express) claims that "the Gunners have made an approach" for the 27-year-old World Cup winner, who can play as a centre-back or left-back.

Arsene Wenger has put together a strong German collective at the Emirates Stadium—with Per Mertesacker, Mesut Ozil and Serge Gnabry at the club—so he could be enticed by the prospect of adding Howedes to his squad.

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Arsenal need top-quality cover to challenge Chelsea for next season's title, something Howedes could provide. He is a dominant force at the back, where his concentration allows him to sniff out trouble before it progresses. Howedes is dominant in the air and along the ground, and he possesses underrated efficiency on the ball.

He previously noted a switch to the Premier League interests him, as reported by Archer: "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."

Wenger continues to be linked with a host of quality players. A report in the Express (h/t George Bellshaw of Metro) suggests the manager has £85 million put aside to spend on Porto striker Jackson Martinez, Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal and Southampton powerhouse Morgan Schneiderlin.

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Martinez recently confirmed he is free to leave Porto, as reported by Marca (h/t Football Italia): "At the moment I’m focused on the national team [ahead of Copa America]. But we're waiting to see what my future will be, because I’ve already received permission from Porto to leave the club."

He scored 28 goals in 38 appearances across the Portuguese division and Champions League throughout the 2014-15 campaign, per WhoScored.com. The Colombian would provide a top-quality alternative to Olivier Giroud and Theo Walcott for Arsenal.

Metro writer Jamie Sanderson cited "sources in Italy" when suggesting Fernando Felicevich, Vidal's agent, has held talks with the club. This story arrived after Felicevich watched Alexis Sanchez, another of his clients, dominate in the Gunners' FA Cup final win.

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Schneiderlin previously confirmed playing in the Champions League is his "goal," per French radio station RMC (h/t the Guardian). He is ready to make the step up after another successful season in Saints' defensive midfield.

B/R UK's Andy Brassell recently discussed other stars Arsenal could target:

Wenger can enter the summer on a positive note, having watched his side thrash Aston Villa in the FA Cup final and secure third in the Premier League.

Arsenal should target players such as Howedes and Schneiderlin to pad the squad out, allowing a greater attempt at domestic and European silverware. Vidal's arrival appears the most unlikely, especially considering his importance in getting Juventus to the Champions League final.