Arsenal are still interested in signing one of the Bundesliga’s top defensive midfielders this summer, despite strong interest from rivals Manchester United.
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Arsenal gossip
The Gunners supposedly want to try and hijack the Red Devils’ bid for Bayer Leverkusen star Lars Bender, with the German international seeming likely to be on the move to a bigger club this summer.
Barcelona have also shown an interest in the 26-year-old in the past, but it now looks like being a two-way fight between Arsenal and United for his signature in this transfer window.
Reports elsewhere suggest United could be close to signing Morgan Schneiderlin from Southampton, which may be why Arsenal have switched their focus to Bender as an alternative.
According to the Metro, the player’s future is not yet resolved, but Arsenal are described as being keen to pursue a deal for this in-demand talent as he considers his next move ahead of the 2015/16 season.