Arsenal are readying a fresh assault on Bayer Leverkusen star Lars Bender, according to Daily Mirror.
The Gunners have been closely monitoring the 24-year-old for a couple of years and they feel the time is right to step up their interest.
Daily Mirror understands that Arsene Wenger sees the Germany international as a perfect long-term replacement for Mikel Arteta.
However, with Bender still regarded as a key player at Bay Arena, it would take around £20 million to prize him away from Leverkusen.
Lars Bender developed into an important member of the squad soon after arriving from 1860 Munich and he went on to make 135 Bundesliga appearances, scoring 14 goals in the process.
He has also earned 17 Germany caps up to date, although he failed to make a single appearance during the 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign.
Bender has scored three goals and produced one assist in 27 Bundesliga fixtures this season.
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
