Arsenal target £15m midfielder if they can't tempt Fabregas - statistics

Cesc Fabregas seems to have done enough for the Barcelona officials to cange their minds and include him in their plans for next season, much to the frustration of Arsenal. The Gunners were keen to get the Spaniard back to north London as their midfield looks weaker by the second but have no switched their attention to another fine central player.

Lars Bender of Bayer Leverkusen has had a sensational season this time round, both individually and as part of the team, as the Bundesliga's third place side start to build themselves for their Champions League adventure.

The 24-year-old is traditionally more defensive than the likes of Fabregas but he can also play in the wider berth as well. His versatility is something that Arsenal gaffer Arsene Wenger admires greatly and he is keen to get him on board in a deal worth £15m, according to the Daily Mail.

Making a move for Bender would certainly free up both Jack Wilshere and Mikel Arteta in the middle of the pitch and allow them to release their creativity, and probably to the delight of Gooners the move would keep Aaron Ramsey out of the team. Hurrah!

Bender scored three goals in his 33 league appearances this season, created 31 chances and won 62% of his duels.

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Comments

[Peter]

Do You actually ever watch Arsenal Ramsey was key to the end of season run and back to his best will be vital in Arsenal mounting a challenge for trophies. Obviously we want to Improve the squad but these ridiculous attacks on a very good player show your total lack of understanding of the needs to have balance in a side.

[meh]

Ramsey was one of the better players at Arsenal. He'll only get better. You seem to have never watched him play.