Arsenal Transfer News: Benedikt Howedes Bid Expected, Latest on Paulo Dybala

Arsenal may finally get the centre-back reinforcement they've been seeking this winter after it came to light that a bid is in the offing for Benedikt Howedes, while Palermo forward Paulo Dybala is also attracting the Gunners' attention.

Manager Arsene Wenger has sent scouts to run the rule over Schalke defender Howedes, writes Simon Jones of the Daily Mail, in what could be the latest German addition to the club's burgeoning contingent.

Wenger already has three 2014 World Cup winners under his command in Per Mertesacker, Mesut Ozil and Lukas Podolski, while youngsters Serge Gnabry and Gedion Zelalem are making their bursts into the senior ranks.

Jones reports that Howedes has a £15 million fee attached to his signature.

The central defender, who can also play left-back, recently told Bild (h/t Simon Bajkowski of the Manchester Evening News) of his openness to a foreign switch: "At Schalke I'm fine, but maybe at some point I might feel tempted for something new. This is not to say that I will go in January or next summer." 

A winter deal would be difficult to orchestrate with Roberto Di Matteo's men still involved in the Champions League. They'll face Real Madrid in the round of 16, while Arsenal take on Monaco.

However, if the Gunners stump up the necessary cash and Howedes' desire is strong enough, the capture is far from an impossible one.

In the absence of Laurent Koscielny, Wenger has had to field full-backs Nacho Monreal, Mathieu Debuchy and Calum Chambers at centre-back, an indicator of just how short the club has been on resources at the heart of their defence.

Gunners fans have been crying out for defensive reinforcements for some time, but the manager is still looking to boost his attack with the addition of Dybala, too, it would appear.

Palermo's starlet is reported by Gianluca Di Marzio to be on a current annual salary of €550,000, which roughly equates to a weekly wage of €10,500 a week. That's a figure the Gunners could certainly contend with.

The Daily Mirror's Ed Malyon reported last week that the north Londoners are just one of the clubs interested in signing the Argentine, adding that Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini is keen to extend his deal.

Dybala came to Palermo for just €13 million but has quickly seen his reputation rise since arriving in Serie A, and he is now valued at £30 million. OptaFranz details just how essential he's been in contributing to their goal count this term:

The 21-year-old's current deal expires in 2016, but Arsenal would be wise to make their move before a new contract is agreed, with Malyon adding that his representatives are eager to insert a big release clause in any new agreement.

If Dybala can be convinced to switch to the Emirates, Palermo may have little choice but to cash in next month, lest they see him leave for a lesser fee—or even for free—in 2016.

Wenger's side won't be the only club who feel they can offer wages far more tempting than what's on offer in Italy, with the Premier League regarded as one of the most lucrative destinations in Europe.

Should it come down to money alone, Palermo may not be able to contend with their north London counterparts, but the club is doing all in its power to convince their starlet to stay.