Arsenal dealt transfer blow as top target Lars Bender rules out Bayer Leverkusen exit

Lars Bender

Arsenal have already been dealt a major in their summer transfer plans as Bayer Leverkusen’s Lars Bender has ruled out a move.

The Germany international signed a new contract with the Bundesliga outfit earlier this season and the 25-year-old has now insisted his desire to see out the deal.

The 25-year-old told reporters: “I signed my new contract until 2019, and that should have told everyone how happy I am at Leverkusen.

“I feel settled here and see no reason to change anything. In fact, if I am to be completely honest, I haven’t had an overly brilliant season and don’t feel ready yet to take on a pivotal role at a big club somewhere else.

“I need to keep working on my game, and I am going to do that here at Leverkusen. That suits me, and I am happy with that.”

The German could be tempted to move to the Emirates to link up with his fellow Die Mannschaft internationals, Per Mertesacker, Lukas Podolski and Mesut Ozil.

The Leverkusen midfielder is believed to be Arsenal’s top midfield transfer target in the upcoming window as they seek a long-term alternative to Mikel Arteta and Mathieu Flamini.

Another Bundesliga could also be on his way to north London, Arsenal have been linked with Bayern’s Mario Gotze.

Of players to have made more than 10 appearances for Bayer Leverkusen, Bender has the highest average duel success rate (51%)