Lars Bender now unlikely to make Gunners switch.
Arsenal target Lars Bender has committed his future to Bayer Leverkusen after signing a two-year contract extension.
The 24-year-old German international midfielder was linked with the Gunners, as well as Manchester United, over the summer but is set to remain at BayArena until 2019.
“Here at Bayer we have evolved in recent years, something very positive,” the ex-1860 Munich player told the club’s official website. “Our team is is strong and has the potential to become even better.
“I want to be part of this story and to make my contribution so that we can establish ourselves at the top.
“Bayer have become a great passion for me, I feel comfortable in this club and it gives me a lot of pleasure to play here.”
The club’s sporting director, Michael Schade, described Bender as the “cornerstone” of the team.
“Lars Bender has developed a lot at Bayer Leverkusen and become an international player,” said Schade. “He is a very important cornerstone in our team and a popular figure for Werkself fans.”
Bayer sit third in the Bundesliga and are one point off Man United in the Champions League group stage.
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