Tag Archives: Lars Bender

Arsenal Threatened By Giants In Chase For £19m Midfield Maestro – reports

Arsenal could miss out on the signing of Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Lars Bender in January after Catalan giants Barcelona entered the race for the midfielder, as reported by the Daily Express.

Having been frustrated in their attempt to secure a deal for Real Madrid midfielder Sami Khedira since the summer, Arsene Wenger has instead turned to Lars Bender and made him his priority in the January window.

The Gunners were hopeful of wrapping up a £19 million move for the German star.

However, they could now find themselves being pipped to the player.

With Xavi coming towards the end of his career, Barcelona believe they require further midfield reinforcements.

They are now hopeful of adding Bender as part of that drive to improve their options in the middle of the park.

Boss Luis Enrique allowed both Cesc Fabregas and Alex Song to depart in the summer, and Bender might be tempted by a switch to one of the world’s largest clubs.

Arsenal Reenter Battle For 25-Year-Old Midfield Alternative – reports

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.