Liverpool and Arsenal target extends stay in Bundesliga

Schalke have announced Benedikt Howedes has signed a new four-and-a-half-year deal, providing a decisive blow in Liverpool and Arsenal’s interest in the central defender.

Howedes, 27, had just over 12 months remaining on his current deal at club and had been strongly linked with a move to Arsenal and Liverpool.

However, the Germany international, who is currently injured, importantly had a €12.5m (£9.7m) release clause in his previous deal, although it remains to be seen whether that has now changed.

“It’s very special for me. I’m filled with pride,” Howedes told Schalke’s official website. “I’m pleased that the club and I will continue on the same path.

“I’m on the right path to recovering fitness. I can’t say exactly how long I’ll need.”

Of Schalke players to have featured in more than three league games this season, only Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (24.1 mins) has required fewer minutes per interception than Howedes (27.1 mins) in the Bundesliga.

For more stats on Benedikt Howedes, click here to visit his WhoScored player page