Arsenal Chasing German Defenders Benedikt Hoewedes & Per Mertesacker - Reports

Benedikt Hoewedes has joined the growing list of German defenders linked with a move to Arsenal. According to widespread sources in England, Germany, Italy and Spain, the Gunners are interested in signing the Schalke centre-half, and could soon table a bid on the order of €9.1 million.

Hoewedes' current contract runs until 2014, but with Schalke struggling in both footballing and financial terms, the Gelsenkirchen outfit might jump at the opportunity to make some much needed cash.

Other reports suggest that Arsenal have renewed their interest in Werder Bremen centre-half Per Mertesacker, and are mulling over an offer of €16m for the Germany international.

Whether Schalke or Bremen are open to releasing their star defenders during the January transfer window is still in question, as is the players' interest in a move abroad. In addition to Hoewedes and Mertesacker, Arsenal have previously been linked with Stuttgart centre-half Serdar Tasci.