Arsenal Transfer News: Latest on Lars Bender Rumours

Bayer Leverkusen star Lars Bender has reportedly been scouted by Arsenal ahead of a possible move for the German international.

So reports Tuttomercato, according to the Mirror's James Whaling, with the Gunners having watched the midfielder play against Lazio in the Champions League on Tuesday.

The defensive midfielder would be an excellent addition to Arsenal, who could use the quality and competitive depth Bender could bring to the side.

Francis Coquelin performed admirably there last season, but with Mikel Arteta now 33 years old and 31-year-old Mathieu Flamini failing to make an impression, the Gunners have few quality options in that position.

Per James Cambridge of the Express, former Arsenal striker Charlie Nicholas highlighted the need for such recruitment:

"

Arsenal are strong and I've tipped them to win the Premier League but I would still like to see them sign another holding midfield player.

Francis Coquelin will be walking a tightrope every week because of the way he plays and he'll pick up suspensions, so another defensive midfielder would be good.

"

Bender would therefore make a strong acquisition for the Gunners.

According to Squawka, the German won 56 tackles in 26 appearances for Bayer last season, as well as winning an incredible 113 headed duels.

Further, he demonstrated his outstanding ability to read the game by making 82 interceptions and 72 clearances.

Last year, WhoScored.com highlighted Bender as a standout performer in the Bundesliga:

The 26-year-old is also far more experienced than Coquelin. Despite being just two years older than the Frenchman, Bender has made almost twice as many first-team appearances and has been capped 19 times for Germany, whereas Coquelin is yet to appear for France's senior side.

Bleacher Report's own Clark Whitney explains why he is so highly prized at Leverkusen:

Bender is captain of the Bundesliga outfit, and he possesses the leadership skills that could help Arsenal drive forward in difficult games, the kind of match his presence is ideal for.

Capturing a player so valuable to his club would be a difficult task for the Gunners, but the prospect of a switch to north London and to play in a higher-calibre team would surely be tempting for Bender.

Arsenal should only be looking at players who can help them win the title this summer, and the German would represent another significant step toward that goal.