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Reports suggest that Arsenal are to resurrect their interest in Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Lars Bender, with The Metro reporting that the Gunners are willing to pay £21 million for the elegant yet brutal midfielder.
Arsenal were linked with a move for Bender last summer and have also been linked with his brother, Borussia Dortmund midfielder Sven.
Their move for the holding midfield player failed last summer, but their need for reinforcements in midfield has not abated and they are expected to return with a new bid.
A move to Arsenal would see Bender compete with Mikel Arteta, Jack Wilshere, Aaron Ramsey and Mathieu Flamini for the two deepest positions at the heart of Gunners boss Arsene Wenger’s 4-2-3-1 formation at The Emirates.
Bender made 31 league appearances last season, scoring three goals and creating 20 chances. He also attempted 198 tackles, winning 87 of them, and won 77 aerial duels in the Bundesliga.
