Arsène Wenger has reignited his interest in German international Lars Bender, after becoming disillusioned with his defensive midfield options for next season.

Bender, now 25 years old, is getting fit for the new season after missing out on Germany’s World Cup campaign with a thigh injury suffered just before the tournament commenced.

2019 reasons to stay

The Daily Mirror report that Bayer Leverkusen will only consider bids starting from £15 million, but Arsenal will be hoping that the injury concerns will drive down the price for the versatile midfielder.

It is thought however that the Gunners will have to wait a while longer to sign their long-term target, after Bender himself admitted in May that a move abroad is not something that his been on his mind.

“I’ve only just prolonged my contract until 2019. I am happy here at Leverkusen and feel great. I don’t need to change that right away.”

“Moreover, my season wasn’t that brilliant, so I don’t feel I need to make the move to a huge club now.”

Deal or no deal

Despite these comments, Arsène Wenger may be keen to call the star personally, as he believes that Bender possesses the necessary skills to turn a doubting player into a world-beater for his Arsenal side.

Alternatively, Arsenal may set their sights on a more experienced player in the form of Bender’s compatriot Sami Khedira.

The Real Madrid player is reportedly unhappy in Spain and would be open-minded on moving to North London to reunite with former teammate and close friend Mesut Özil.

Long-term Lars

Lars Bender would be a welcome addition to the defensive midfield options, as Mikel Arteta and Mathieu Flamini are an aging force in a fresh midfield, who will be looking to create chances for Arsenal’s potentially reformed attacking line-up.

However, with the German likely to spurn the clubs advances for at least another year, it is likely that Wenger will turn his attention to a more experienced player as a stop-gap for a youth player or perhaps Bender in the foreseeable future.

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