Schalke defender Benedikt Howedes claims to have rejected the chance to join Arsenal this summer - as he wants to stay with the Royal Blues.
The versatile defender was an ever-present for Germany in last summer's successful World Cup campaign and is widely regarded as one of the Bundesliga's most consistent performers.
Howedes, 27, has been at Schalke his entire career and feels he owes his form to being settled at the club, for whom he made his debut in 2007.
Arsenal and AC Milan have both reportedly made approaches for the defender, but he insists he has no intention of leaving Schalke.
"Arsenal and AC Milan were really keen on my services," he said. "But I have decided in favour of Schalke."
Howedes, comfortable at both centre-half and left-back, is thought to be valued at around £15million.
