With the reported deal for Sanchez reaching it’s final phase at £32m the Gunners could soon see another new player at The Emirates with German international midfielder Lars Bender looking like a priority signing.
Bayer Leverkusen had previously rejected Wenger’s advances for the 25-year-old’s services with a £19m offer last year but he clearly feels he can get his way. Reports in the Metro among others suggest that Arsenal are moving in for a second attempt to lure the midfielder to the Emirates.
Bender would fit the bill as a long-term replacement for Mikel Arteta who has just one year left on his contract and is now 32-years-old.
The Arsenal are hopeful of signing three targets for a forward, midfielder and defender in this transfer window Mathieu Debuchy being tabbed as a final target if Sanchez and Bender prove successful.
The midfielder will be following the World Cup squad as Germany take on Brazil after he was forced to withdraw due to a thigh injury which prompted Low to make a statement: "I feel personally very sorry for Lars because I know how much he wanted to be in Brazil, when a player is ruled out so close before a tournament then it is very disappointing for everyone".
Lars started playing for the German International squad in 2011, making 17 appearances to date and scoring 4 goals including a brace against Ecuador. Lars is the twin of Sven Bender who plays his football for Borussia Dortmund.
Source: DSG
