Benedikt Howedes shows off his unbelievable defensive skills
Howedes looked to leave Schalke after being stripped of his captaincy and eventually joined Juventus on a season-long loan.
But his agent Volker Struth claims Juventus were not the only club interested, with Serie A rivals Roma and Premier League duo Arsenal and Leicester also making late moves for the 29-year-old’s services.
Leicester instead brought in Aleksandar Dragovic on loan from Bayer Leverkusen, while Arsenal kept hold of Inter Milan target Shkodran Mustafi.
"There were talks with AS Roma, Leicester City and Arsenal in London because we heard here that Mustafi was courted by Inter Milan," Struth told German outlet Sportbild.
GETTY
Arsenal, Leicester and Roma tried to sign Benedikt Howedes on deadline day
There were talks with AS Roma, Leicester City and Arsenal
Volker Struth
“[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.”
Struth admits Juventus showed an interest in the Germany international five years ago, but a move failed to materialise.
Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
"We did not just talk about Juventus when Benedikt Howedes had lost the captain’s armband,” Struth added.
“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."