Markus Schubert is joining Schalke on a free transfer, despite links to Arsenal earlier in the window.

FC Ingolstadt 04 v SG Dynamo Dresden Second Bundesliga 1558346798
INGOLSTADT, GERMANY – MARCH 18: Goalkeeper Markus Schubert of Dresden gestures during the Second Bundesliga match between FC Ingolstadt 04 and SG Dynamo Dresden at Audi Sportpark on March 18, 2018, in Ingolstadt, Germany. (Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Bongarts/Getty Images)

In mid-June, Schubert’s transfer to Arsenal seemed almost a certainty.

The former Dynamo Dresden keeper was available on a free transfer after reaching the end of his contract, and reports suggested the Gunners were going to sign him before loaning him out. His girlfriend was even photographed in an Arsenal shirt.

Those links have since faded away, and the goalkeeper is now set to join Bundesliga club Schalke.

Perhaps the 21-year-old felt he might get more chances with Schalke, or that he might be more on the radar for the German national team if he remained in his home country.

Alternatively, maybe Arsenal decided to pull the plug after Emi Martinez made his decision to stay. There are now plenty of goalkeepers at the club, from Leno to Iliev, Macey, Okonkwo, Martinez, Hillson, Smith, Hein and more.

Considering the way all former Arsenal targets love to talk to the media about their ‘almost’ moves, we’ll probably find out from Schubert himself soon enough.