Emirates Stadium re-ignite interest in rangy midfielder.
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Arsenal are ready to revitalise their interest in Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Lars Bender, according to the Sunday Mirror.
The pressure is mounting on Arsene Wenger to spend money this summer following weeks of transfer inactivity, and their continuing search for a defensive midfielder has led them back to Germany for Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Lars Bender, and hope to wrap up a deal by the end of the month.
The Gunners had a £19million offer turned down by the Bundesliga club two months ago, and the German international midfield is under contract at Leverkusen until the summer of 2017. Wenger is a big fan of Bender and is considering making an improved offer for the midfielder. Following their 3-1 home defeat to Aston Villa, it was clear that they are in dire need of a defensive midfielder, especially if Mikel Arteta it out injured for a prolonged period of time.
Arsenal have attempted to bring in midfield depth this summer. They were reportedly keen on signing Marouane Fellaini from Everton, but failed to meet the £23million release clause which expired last month, and were understood to have a deal in place to sign Bayern Munich midfielder Luis Gustavo, but the Brazilian opted to join Wolfsburg.
Most of the Gunners’ transfer activity has been outgoings, and they look set to sell striker Nicklas Bendtner in the coming weeks. Having seen moves to Malaga and FC Twente break down due to wage demands, FC Basel are reportedly keen on signing Bentdner this summer, as well as released Fulham forward Mladen Petric.