Wenger Dealt Blow As Key Transfer Target Rules Out Arsenal Move

As we approach the opening of the summer window clubs will be intensifying their efforts in the transfer market so we’ll bring you all the latest news and gossip. Today, Gooner Mac brings us news on Lars Bender.

Arsenal have been dealt a major blow as key transfer target Lars Bender has ruled out leaving Bayer Leverkusen this summer, according to reports today.

Bender has been on Arsene Wenger’s radar for some time now and we were strongly linked with a move last summer when we reportedly failed with an £18.5m bid, with Leverkusen insisting he stayed in the Bundesliga for at least another year.

Newspaper reports in recent weeks have suggested that the boss was ready to renew his interest in the defensive midfielder after making him one of his key transfer targets, with a long-term replacement for Mikel Arteta understood to be a priority this summer.

However, the Daily Mail are citing quotes coming out of German where Bender has ruled out making a move at the end of the season. When quizzed about a possible move to the Emirates, the 25-year-old revealed that he’s happy where he is and insisted he wants to remain at Leverkusen as he doesn’t feel he’s ready to join a ‘big club’ just yet.

‘I signed my new contract until 2019, and that should have told everyone how happy I am at Leverkusen.

‘I feel settled here and see no reason to change anything. In fact, if I am to be completely honest, I haven’t had an overly brilliant season and don’t feel ready yet to take on a pivotal role at a big club somewhere else.

‘I need to keep working on my game, and I am going to do that here at Leverkusen. That suits me, and I am happy with that.’ Bender is quoted as saying by the Mail

It’s fair to say Bender hasn’t been at his best this season and some say the constant speculation surrounding his future has affected his form, so it seems the player is acting quickly to nip any summer rumours in the bud now so he can concentrate on his football, with the midfielder expected to be part of Joachim Loew’s German squad for this summers World Cup finals.

I’d be hugely disappointed if these quotes are accurate and Bender isn’t interested in a move as he’d be an excellent signing and would represent a huge upgrade on Arteta next season. We are crying out for a mobile, ball-winning defensive midfielder and Bender would have been ideal.

READ MORE –> Arsenal transfer news

However, if he isn’t available then I hope we turn our attention to Southampton’s Morgan Schneiderlin. He has been superb over the past two years and has plenty of experience in the Premier League, therefore wouldn’t need any time to adapt, so if we can’t get Bender, I hope we go for the France international instead.

What defensive midfielder would you like Arsenal to buy? Share your views below.