Arsenal to bid for Lars Bender

English newspaper Daily Star has suggested that Arsenal are set to launch a new assault on Bayer Leverkusen hotshot Lars Bender.

Arsene Wenger is a keen admirer of the player and he has already had an £18.5 million bid rejected for his services.

However, the Frenchman is ready to reignite his interest in the midfielder and is reportedly looking to offer around £20 million in January.

The only problem is that Manchester United are also keeping close tabs on the 24-year-old footballer.

Lars Bender has established himself as one of Bundesliga’s top holding midfielders over the years, whereas he is also capable of playing at right back.

While making 114 league appearances for die Werkself, Bender has so far earned 16 Germany caps.

The latest media reports are enough to suggest Arsenal are determined to finally mount a serious title challenge in the league, and having already climbed to the top of the standings, the Gunners are 4/1 to lift the Premier League title this term.