Arsenal have targeted Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Lars Bender after growing increasingly concerned about the realistic availability of Real Madrid star Sami Khedira, as reported by the Daily Express.
Sources in Germany are suggesting that Arsene Wenger has decided to resume his interest in Bender as a result of Khedira’s contract situation.
The World Cup winner was expected to reject new terms with Real Madrid, which would have made him available for a cut price fee in January.
However, the midfield maestro is now thought to be likely to sign a new contract with the Spanish giants, ending hopes of him moving elsewhere.
The new contract is an especially big blow to Arsenal, who have been chasing him since the summer in the hope of fixing their broken midfield.
They will now look to Bender to plug the defensive midfield hole, with the Leverkusen man having proven himself as a talented player in that role.
