Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has been dealt a blow after it emerged Barcelona will rival the Gunners for the signature of Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Lars Bender this January.
Wenger’s side have been short of a central defensive midfielder over the last couple of seasons, and the twin brother of Borussia Dortmund’s Sven looks to have overtaken countryman Sami Khedira on the wanted list.
However, Barcelona are also interested in adding the midfielder to their squad with cover for the likes of Sergio Busquets and Andres Inisesta in short supply having sold Cesc Fabregas last summer.
The £20 million rated German has the attributes to perform in the Premier League and would add the steel that Arsenal have missed in the centre of midfield of late, but first must see off the advances of Luis Enrique once the winter window opens in just over a month’s time.
By Matt Derrig