Arsenal are watching Schalke skipper Benedict Howedes.

The People says Arsene Wenger has moved to correct Arsenal's defensive problems by stepping up an interest in Howedes.

The Gunners watched the German World Cup defender help Schalke to an impressive 4-0 win at Stuttgart last week.

Howedes, 26, has two years left on his current deal with the Champions League last-16 qualifiers. But he is a friend of current Gunners centre-back Per Mertesacker and his versatility would be welcomed by Wenger.

His asking price of £15million would be well within Arsenal's budget.