Lars Bender topping Arsenal winter shortlist

Arsenal will reportedly make a move for Bayer Leverkusen star Lars Bender following a long-term injury to Francis Coquelin.

The Gunners are expected to bring in a new midfield enforcer after Coquelin was ruled out for three months with a knee ligament damage.

Sporting Lisbon's William Carvalho has been long linked with a move to North London, but according to Calciomercato, Bender looks to be the ideal fit to takeover the holding role.

However, it is yet to be known whether Leverkusen would be willing to offload their star man mid way through their league campaign.

The 26-year-old has earned 19 caps with Germany.