As a result of all their defensive issues over the last year or so, The Gunners have been linked to a number of potential new recruits.
In particular, Arsenal keep getting mentioned in conjunction with Real Madrid’s top German talent, Sami Khedira. The 27-year-old is one of the world’s best defensive midfielders and I have little doubt that he would have been a good fit for the Premier League.
Unfortunately, The Metro recently published an article claiming that Arsene Wenger’s move for Khedira has fallen apart. The source notes that the player has decided to wait until the summer transfer window before he makes a decision on his future. At this stage his Madrid contract will have expired and he’ll be available as a free transfer. That’s sure to provide him with a large number of suitors.
Fortunately, the aforementioned source claims that Arsenal have turned their attention to another German midfielder. This time round, it’s another long-term Arsene Wenger target, Lars Bender.
He currently plays for Bayer Leverkusen as the Bundesliga side’s holding midfielder. He’s quick, energetic and dynamic. He’s also pretty handy on the ball. When he’s in possession, he’s capable of pulling off the kind of quick, effective short-passing that is part and parcel of any Arsenal midfielder’s game.
Like Khedira, you get the feeling that Bender would be a good fit for English football. They’re both canny individuals with the physicality necessary to make it in a tough league.
There’s no word as to how much Bender might cost, but Leverkusen won’t give him up without a fight. Unfortunately, The Gunners can’t really afford to wait. They need to bring in a decent defensive midfielder as soon as possible, or they’re going to fall even further down the Premier League table.
Let’s just hope that Arsene Wenger is ready to act as soon as the transfer window swings open.
What’s your take? Should The Gunners switch their attention from Sami Khedira to Lars Bender?
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