Arsenal have had a £20million bid rejected by Bayer Leverkusen for midfielder Lars Bender, according to German publication Express. The report from the German player suggests Leverkusen have told Arsenal he is ‘not for sale’ at any price.
There was an assumption made by many that Lars Bender held a £15million release clause in his contract, but following the reported rejection of the £20million offer, these rumours were clearly false. Arsenal are unlikely to bid again for the German, after the club indicated he was not for sale at any price and Lars appears not to be pushing for any move. Leverkusen qualified for the Champions League for the upcoming season and have already lost Daniel Carvajal to Real Madrid and Andre Schurrle to Chelsea. Arsenal are now likely to pursue their long-term interest in Maraoune Fellaini and may be forced to meet his £23million release clause, which expires on August 15.
Maraoune Fellaini has a £23million release clause for ‘top 4’ Premier League clubs. Because of this clause Chelsea, Manchester Utd and Arsenal have been alerted to the players availability. Manchester United were early favourites due to David Moyes’ appointment at Old Trafford, but with Thaigo Alacantra expected to arrive the Manchester side may no longer deem a move for Fellaini essential. It is widely reported that the robust Belgian-born midfielder would command wages in the upwards of £90,000 per-week. Fellaini is currently the highest earner at Everton earning £70,000 per-week.
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