Benedikt Howedes’ agent spoke with Arsenal this summer (Picture: Getty)

The agent of Benedikt Howedes has confirmed that Arsenal held negotiations over a last-ditch move for the defender.

Howedes made 334 appearances across ten seasons at Schalke but was stripped of his captaincy ahead of the 2017/18 and the 29-year-old Germany international was keen to leave the club.

The World Cup winner eventually agreed a one-year loan deal with Juventus on August 30 – with an option to buy for £12million – but Arsenal, Roma and Leicester also expressed a strong interest.

Volker Struth, Howedes’ representative, told SportBild: ‘There were talks with Roma, Leicester City and Arsenal in London because we heard here that Mustafi was courted by Inter Milan.

‘[But Juventus] was Benni’s favourite from the start.

‘Even if Schalke would have done a great job, you want to go to a club like Juve if the chance is there. Juventus is the jackpot.’

Arsene Wenger brought Sead Kolasinac and Alexandre Lacazette to north London (Picture: Getty)

Struth revealed that the Serie A giants had made contact five years ago but did not make a bid.

‘We did not just talk about Juventus when Benedikt Howedes had lost the captain’s armband,’ he said.

‘His team Schalke is in constant contact with the international top clubs.

‘We know what club has an affinity for Benni. We talked to him about Juve five years ago, but there was no offer.’

MORE : Arsene Wenger warns Arsenal that Europa League is no excuse for poor Chelsea performance