BERLIN, June 15 (Reuters) - Schalke 04 captain Benedikt Hoewedes will stay at Schalke 04 next season despite offers for Germany's World Cup winning defender, sports director Horst Heldt said on Monday.
"Benedikt Hoewedes will remain at Schalke," Heldt told reporters at the official presentation of new coach Andre Breitenreiter. "There were two offers from abroad. We hare happy he decided to stay here."
The 27-year-old international has a buyout clause in his contract that runs to 2017 with several major European clubs, including Arsenal, reportedly interested.
Breitenreiter, who last week succeeded sacked Roberto Di Matteo, said Hoewedes was key as Schalke sought to rebuild a competitive squad for next season.