United consider rivaling Gunners for Bayer Leverkusen midfielder.
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Manchester United could be about to rival Arsenal for the signing of Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Lars Bender in the January transfer window, according to the Daily Star.
The 24-year-old is highly rated in the Bundesliga after becoming a key player for Sami Hyypia’s side as well as impressing for the German national team, and could command a fee of around £20m if Europe’s giants come calling in January.
Both Arsenal and Manchester United are looking to strengthen in midfield, with Bender looking the ideal candidate to shore up both sides in that position, as both are lacking a true defensive midfielder at the moment.
Arsenal moved to sign Mathieu Flamini on a free transfer in the summer, but are still keen on securing a long-term replacement for Alex Song, who left the club for Barcelona last summer.
United, meanwhile, spent £27.5m on Marouane Fellaini on transfer deadline day, though the Belgian has initially struggled to adapt at Old Trafford, and may be used in a more attacking role as he was by David Moyes at their old club Everton last season.
Leverkusen will be keen to keep hold of one of their best players, though Bender himself may be keen to test himself in England.