Report: Arsenal planning Lars Bender swoop

Arsenal are reportedly hopeful of sealing a deal for Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Lars Bender.

The 25-year-old was expected to be part of Germany's World Cup squad, but was forced to withdraw following a thigh injury.

According to The Mirror, Arsenal have been tracking Bender for over a year and believe that they can agree a fee of £15m for his transfer.

Bender has scored four goals during his 17 appearances for the German national side.