Arsenal close in on £19m long term target

Lars Bender Bayer Leverkusen
Lars Bender Bayer Leverkusen

Arsenal have rekindled their interest in Germany midfielder Lars Bender, while the Gunners are closing in on right back Mathieu Debuchy and Barcelona winger Alexis Sanchez, as Arsene Wenger planning a triple signing of around £60m. 

Lars Bender Bayer Leverkusen

Bender has been a long term target of Arsenal. The Gunners wanted to sign him last summer and tabled a £19m bid, which was rebuffed by Bayer Leverkusen.

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An extract from my article back in September

According to reports from The Telegraph, Arsenal are ready to revive that interest on the classy defensive central midfielder, who recently signed a new contract at the German club.

The 25-year-old was in Germany’s 30-man provisional squad but was forced to withdraw with a thigh injury. He is seen as a long term replacement of Spaniard Mikel Arteta, who now 32, has only a year remaining on his contract.

Arteta has been a steady force for the Gunners in the heart of midfield, but is likely to be used as a squad player from here on.

The Gunners are also closing in on Newcastle United’s right back Mathieu Debuchy, who would cost around £12m. The North Londoners are equally keen to sign Barcelona’s world class winger Alexis Sanchez, and although the Chilean prefers a move to London, the deal is complicated by Liverpool’s attempt to sign him as a part exchange deal for their talisman striker Luis Suarez. 

Several reports in English and Spanish media suggest that Arsenal have agreed a deal in principle with Sanchez, but with Liverpool registering the interest at the same time, the asking price of the winger could rise beyond £30m. 

Bender will be a top signing for the Gunners. He will add a different dimension to the Arsenal midfield with his craft, class and industry. What do you think Arsenal fans? Share your reactions below.

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