Arsenal will reportedly go back in for Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Lars Bender after it was reported earlier in the summer that Arsenal have had a bid of 19 million euros rejected for the highly rated German, According to reports in Mirror.
The report suggests that Arsenal still retain some hope of signing the midfielder and are prepared to put in a bid of 23 million (4 million more than previous bid) which they believe will convince Bayern Leverkusen to sell the midfielder to Arsenal.
Bender has long been a target for Wenger, but he is not prepared to match the reported 28 million Euro pricetag that Leverkusen management demanded. He made 32 starts in the German league last season and had a hand in nine goals for his club
It is expected that German international will arrive as cover and eventually replace Spaniard Mikel Arteta. The former Everton midfielder is sidelined with a thigh injury and could miss up to six weeks.
Arsenal are having a forgettable transfer window as more than 15 players left the club with only France U21 International Yaya Sanogo arriving the other way. With a reported 70 million transfer budget available to spend, its surprising to see that Arsenal have not even spent in penny in transfers.
Lars Bender is a versatile player who can play in multiple positions even as right back if needed. He has high work rate which is an essential attribute for any player in the English league. He can dictate the game from the deep midfield areas and also can stop opponent attacks with his timely interceptions and well judged tackles.
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Bender’s explosive runs and cutting passes are an added bonus, making him a unpredictable threat. He is more like a Box-to-Box player who loves to influence all areas of the pitch.
With Mikel Arteta and Abou Diaby out injured, it has become evident that Arsenal need a Defensive midfielder and the loss to Aston Villa also suggested the same. Bender is what Arsenal need, a player with great defensive instinct and the ability to truly shield a back four. Mikel Arteta has stepped in and done his side a favour for the past few seasons, but he’s not the solution to Arsenal’s defensive problems.
Arsene Wenger seems to believe that his current squad are good enough to compete for the title but Aston villa match proved they aren’t. Injuries might force Wenger to make few quality additions but £23 million is a lot considering Arsenal’s previous history with transfers but if Arsenal want to compete for top 4 and more Arsenal should show some intent in the transfer window and they also have quite a fans to convince.
It’s now or never for Arsenal. Any Comments?
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