Arsenal Transfer News: William Carvalho, Lars Bender Rumours Emerge Amid Crisis

Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger will turn to Sporting Lisbon star William Carvalho as he looks to address the growing injury crisis at the Emirates Stadium. 

Jeremy Wilson of the Telegraph said the Gunners will attempt to purchase the defensive midfielder in January, who has a £35 million release clause in his current deal. Wenger is said to believe he can acquire the Portugal international significantly cheaper than the buyout price—at closer to £25 million—but Sporting will not want to sell in the middle of the campaign.

Matthias Schrader/Associated Press

Carvalho has been one of the most prized midfielders in Europe for the past 12 months, but he was injured in the summer after impressing at the European Under-21 Championships. His lack of game time since would be a concern to Wenger, who is looking for a player to make an immediate impact on Arsenal's charge for the title, but Carvalho's long-term potential is huge.

The powerhouse has been restricted to only five starts in the domestic league this season after his layoff, according to WhoScored.com.

Wilson added the Gunners will continue their interest in Bayer Leverkusen captain Lars Bender, but he has also suffered with injury and could be out until the new year with an ankle problem.

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Carvalho has previously professed his fondness for Wenger's side, stating he would like to join Arsenal if he decides to ply his trade in the Premier League in future, per Wilson: “I am where I want to be right now, which is Sporting but if I ever leave then it’s a sign that my work here is done. I dream of winning the Primeira Liga here. I prefer not to say too much but there is a club with which I’ve always been fond of: Arsenal.”

The player's "dream" of winning the Portuguese league title is on course this season, as Sporting sit top of the division, and this could deter Carvalho from making a swift exit. 

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Arsenal have lost many senior players to injury in recent weeks, and the signing of a top midfielder has become a priority. As confirmed by Wilson, Santi Cazorla will be out for three months with a knee ligament issue, leaving Wenger desperately short of first-team options after a string of injuries. 

The Gunners' reserve options are thin, and the likes of Mikel Arteta and Joel Campbell are not considered first-team regulars. 

Janan Ganesh recently highlighted this fact, using Arteta as an example, and calling comedian James Corden a "more dynamic" option than the ageing Spaniard:

Bender could be available in the next transfer window after Leverkusen supremo Michael Schade said the club couldn't stop its top talents departing, as quoted by Jamie Sanderson of Metro: "Bayer Leverkusen can’t be as arrogant to say that we are creating world stars and they will retire here. If we are able to create a world star or top player, then one day this player wants to play for one of the top [clubs in the world], of course."

However, Bender's injury concerns would simply elevate the current tension in north London, and a move for him in the summer appears to be a more sensible option. 

Carvalho is rightly considered one of Europe's best young defensive midfielders, but it would be unfair to expect he could solve Arsenal's issues overnight. 

Carvalho would help address the problems, but while the team is stretched with injuries, his impact would certainly be reduced. 

Bender has more experience than the Portugal midfielder at the highest level, but his injury concerns suggest Wenger should steer clear until a later date.