Wenger had identified a defensive midfielder as a transfer priority and that Leverkusen anchor man Bender was his top target.
But after being quizzed about Arsenal’s interest, the 25-year old insisted he would not be heading for the Emirates and would, instead, be looking to build on his recent return after signing a new contract earlier this season.
Bender’s form dipped alarmingly in the midst of mounting speculation about a renewed Arsenal bid and a run of poor results that cost Sami Hyypia his job as manager.
But he capped an impressive display against Borussia Dortmund with a goal and was back in peak form in a 2-0 win at Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday.
It hasn’t gone unnoticed at Arsenal, but Bender was quick to dismiss suggestions he could be on his way after the World Cup, saying: ‘I signed my new contract until 2019, and that should have told everyone how happy I am at Leverkusen.
‘I feel settled here and see no reason to change anything. In fact, if I am to be completely honest, I haven’t had an overly brilliant season and don’t feel ready yet to take on a pivotal role at a big club somewhere else.
‘I need to keep working on my game, and I am going to do that here at Leverkusen. That suits me, and I am happy with that.’
As well as a defensive midfielder, Arsenal are also targeting a striker.
Written by Steve Milne
