Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is reportedly keeping close watch on two of the Bundesliga's leading lights as he considers adding to a growing German contingent in his squad.
Wenger smashed Arsena's transfer record to complete a £42.4m move for Mesut Ozil on Monday night, with the playmaker joining German international colleagues Per Mertesacker and Lukas Podolski at the Emirates.
The Gunners boss still wants another option in central midfield and will continue to monitor Lars Bender's and Ilkay Gundogan's progress throughout the season, according to The Mirror.
Bender has been consistently linked with a move to North London in recent months, with the Bayer Leverkusen midfielder comfortable in a variety of positions.
Gundogan has starred for Borussia Dortmund in the last 12 months, but is currently out injured with a back injury.
Arsenal also have a number of German starlets coming through their academy with hopes of a first-team future, including Thomas Eisfeld, Serge Gnabry and Gideon Zelalem.
Liam Power
