Arsenal are reportedly weighing up a move for Borussia Dortmund’s Sven Bender this summer. The Germany international has recently earned a run in the starting lineup following a frustrating spell out with an ankle problem.
According to Tuttomercatoweb, via The Star, the Gunners could lodge an attempt for the versatile player in the summer with Arsene Wenger keen to add more options to his backline.
The Gunners coach has recently opted for a switch to the 3-4-2-1 formation, and this appears to have urged the need for a new centre-back in order to solidify the defence.
Bender has the potential to feature at either centre-back or holding midfield, and the Gunners could move for his services despite an injury-plagued spell this term.
The 27-year-old initially sustained a foot injury while playing for Germany at the summer Olympics, and this ruled him out until the festive period.
However, his return to the first-team was shortlived after he suffered an ankle problem in a mid-season friendly against Paderborn which he has restricted his appearance count to just six all campaign.
Bender appears to have endured a similar injury path to his brother Lars, who has had a tough time with niggles over the course of his career.
Both Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain are said to have formerly held an interest in Bender, but it is the Gunners, for now, who are in the running to sign the seven-time Germany international.
Bender has earned over 200 appearances for Borussia Dortmund since his breakthrough spell under Jurgen Klopp in the 2009-10 season. He currently has four years left on his existing deal, and this will allow BvB to demand a significant sum for his sale in the summer.
