After failing with a £19m bid for Lars Bender last summer, Arsenal are set to make a fresh bid for the Bayer Leverkusen midfielder in the summer, report Tutto Mercato Web.

The tough tackling German, who is adept to playing as an anchor man, is just the kind of player Arsene Wenger needs to revamp his squad for the next season in a realistic push for the Premier League title.

Bender is cited as a long-term replacement for Mikel Arteta, 32, the Spaniard who has looked immensely fatigued with each passing game this campaign.

The 24 year old never shies away from a tackle which makes him such a valuable asset in the middle of the park. The Leverkusen man has good passing accuracy passing, is very comfortable in possession, and has a playing style that looks suited to Arsenal.

After a solid start to the Bundesliga season, Leverkusen are slipping their way down the table, and with manager Sami Hyppia looking increasingly likely to be sacked, reports claim Bender might follow the former Liverpool defender out the door.

What do you think Would Bender be a hit Let me know in the comments below…