Arsenal are ready to open up talks for the transfer of Lars Bender, who is reportedly now a key target for Arsene Wenger.
According to news sources from The Sun, the Gunners will look to spend nearly £18million on the defensive-midfielder, who recently turned 26.
Arsene Wenger’s admiration for the German international stretches back nearly three years, with the boss being criticised to pay serious money for a world-class player of Bender’s type.
The likes of Mathieu Flamini and Mikel Arteta are both entering what looks to be their final season with the Gunners, and with fellow transfer target, Morgan Schneiderlin, looking to make a move to Manchester United, Wenger has turned to Bender to solve his defensive problems.
Bender has just enjoyed another consistent season in Germany, making 33 appearances in all competitions for his Bundesliga side, Bayer Leverkusen.
And now Arsenal are ready to finally launch a move for the midfielder, who will partner up with Francis Coquelin, sitting just in front of the defence.
The current German contingent at the club will be just one of a few things that could convince Bender to sign, with the likes of Mesut Ozil and Per Mertesacker being a massive means of persuasion.
It is believed a deal in the region of £18million is what it will take to convince Leverkusen to sell, and his high wage demands can be covered by letting go of some of the deadwood at the Emirates.
Carl Jenkinson is expected to seal a permanent move away from the club in the coming weeks, and both Lukas Podolski and Joel Campbell are also expected to be shown the exit door.
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