Arsenal’s search for a midfielder has returned to German international Lars Bender.
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Arsenal’s search for a new central midfielder has returned to German international midfielder Lars Bender, according to reports from the Mirror, with the Gunners hoping to secure a £15 million deal for the Bayer Leverkusen man.
The report suggests that the Gunners have been on the trail of Bender for more than a year, but could now be ready to make their move for the 25 year-old who has enjoyed four exceptional years with Leverkusen since arriving from 1860 Munich.
He is the twin brother of Borussia Dortmund star Sven Bender, who is also an impressive central player who rivals Lars for a place in the national team’s squad for which he has 17 caps.
Arsenal are looking to bolster their central midfield options, adding an additional star name to a squad including Jack Wilshere, Aaron Ramsey, Mathieu Flamini and Mike Arteta.
The latter two are entering the latter years of their career, however, whilst dynamic youngsters Wilshere and Ramsey have both been known to miss significant amounts of time with injury, opening the door for Wenger to secure another midfielder.
Bender would certainly fit the bill, with the player having both the ability to add to the Arsenal squad right now but also the potential to grow into his role over the long term.
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