Arsenal Transfer News: Karim Bellarabi, Benedikt Howedes in Double-Raid Rumours

Arsenal are set to swoop for two Bundesliga talents after reports said Karim Bellarabi and Benedikt Howedes might be on their way to north London.  

SportBild (h/t Sport Witness) suggested manager Arsene Wenger is targeting the midfielder and the defender as the Gunners make a push for the Premier League title. 

The outlet claims Wenger has made "contact" with Bayer Leverkusen and Schalke, and Howedes would be available for as little as €10 million in the summer as his contract contains a clause. 

Antonio Calanni/Associated Press

Howedes has previously stated his desire to move the Premier League, per Sport Witness, but he opted to stay with his club after significant interest in his talents.

Reuters (h/t the Guardian) reported offers were made for the Germany international, but Schalke sports director Horst Heldt confirmed the player rejected them: "Benedikt Howedes will remain at Schalke. There were two offers from abroad. We are happy he decided to stay here.”

Arsenal also want 25-year-old winger Bellarabi, who made his debut for the German national side last year.

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The Berlin-born player has been with Leverkusen since 2011, and he has consistently developed as an attacking force on the right wing. He also has the natural ability to play as a centre-forward, offering Wenger a diverse option if he manages to sign him.

The player has featured 16 times for his club in the Bundesliga and Champions League this term, according to WhoScored.com, but his statistics are not overwhelming—scoring only twice while providing three assists. 

It is Howedes who might be viewed as the more urgent signing, as Arsenal have looked sorry in defence after a capitulation at the hands of Bayern Munich.

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The Gunners also looked weak in the north London derby, as Tottenham Hotspur dominated Wenger's back four for most of the fixture. 

Howedes would provide leadership at the back for Arsenal if he makes the switch to the Emirates, as Per Mertesacker has showed his age at centre-back. 

The Schalke captain would be an upgrade on his German compatriot, offering better coverage and ball interception qualities. 

Arsenal face a testing few weeks as they attempt to recover the confidence lost during their trip to Munich and against their local rivals.

The Gunners rescued a point against Spurs, but it was notable how lacklustre they appeared, unable to offer resistance against a vibrant attack and a hardworking midfield. 

Bellarabi would be a quality addition, and he would push for a starting place immediately on the right, bringing pace and balance with his excellent dribbling skills. 

However, Howedes would provide a defensive cornerstone on which Wenger could build, looking to maintain the chase with Manchester City at the top of the table in the second half of the season, with Chelsea all but out of the race.