5. Sven Bender
Bender had an injury hit season for Dortmund, who struggled to replicate their brilliant form of recent seasons. The 25-year-old suffered a groin problem in February, and failed to regain his fitness before the World Cup. He is, however, one of the more talented defensive midfielders operating in Europe today, and most Premier League sides would benefit from his fully fit presence.
In the 19 games that Bender did play in the Bundesliga last season, his statistics compare very favourably to Arsenal’s deeper midfield quartet.
Arsenal have clearly missed bite in their midfield in recent seasons, which is why the initially maligned Mathieu Flamini was seen as such a revelation when he started to play regularly. Sven Bender would offer Flamini’s work rate and ability to break up play, while adding more to Arsenal’s game as well.