According to reports, Arsenal are once again interested in signing Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Lars Bender.
The 26-year-old is thought to be wanted to bolster the squad, with injuries to Mikel Arteta and Francis Coquelin leaving the Gunners thin on the ground for central midfielders.
Lars is the twin brother of Borussia Dortmund midfielder Sven Bender and has 19 Germany caps to his name. He missed out on his national side’s World Cup winning squad due to a hamstring injury, and this has contributed to him not being selected for over a year.
Bender has made 227 appearances for Leverkusen since joining the club from 1860 Munich in 2009. He has 18 goals to his name, and has set up 20. He is also the club’s captain.
The 26-year-old is currently ruled out with an ankle injury, and it is unknown when he will be fit again. His contract with the German club last until 2019, meaning Arsenal will not be able to get him for a cheap price.
Bender has been linked with a move to Arsenal on numerous occasions over the last three seasons, so whether the injury to Coquelin is enough to convince Arsene Wenger of bolstering is something to be seen in January.
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