Arsenal target who wins 90% of his tackles signs new deal with Leverkusen

Bayer Leverkusen’s Lars Bender (foreground)

Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Lars Bender has extended his current contract until 2019, according to Sky Sports.

The German midfielder was linked with Premier League leaders Arsenal throughout the summer as Arsene Wenger was desperate bring in midfield reinforcements.

However, the 24-year-old stayed with the German club and has now signed his second contract extension in two years.

Rumours circulated in the summer suggesting Arsenal had placed a bid of £18 million for the midfielder but nothing seemed to stem from there.

The Leverkusen man has won an impressive 18 of his 20 tackles, therefore giving him a success rate of 90%. Furthermore, the classy midfielder has been successful in 12 of his 13 take-ons. Furthermore, his tackle success rate last term was 81%, he won a sensational 109 tackles.

Lars Bender Duels Won This Season

Bender created 31 chances last term, getting six assists. This indicates the well-rounded nature of the midfielder, as not only can he defend, he can create chances too. Perhaps Arsenal are craving a player of this ilk, in the middle of their midfield.

Bender, whose twin brother Sven plays for Borussia Dortmund, has been capped 15 times by Germany, scoring four goals.

STAT: 72.5% of Lars Bender’s passes this season have gone forward and has a pass success rate of 76%.