Arsenal are in pole position to secure the services of Bayer Leverkusen star Lars Bender, according to reports from the London Evening Standard.

Arsenal are widely expected to strengthen their squad during the upcoming January transfer window and bringing in a new defensive midfielder will be a priority for manager Arsene Wenger following the injuries suffered by Francis Coquelin and Mikel Arteta.

It was recently reported that Wenger had identified Leverkusen's Bender as his primary target and now according to recent reports, it has been claimed that the Gunners are the frontrunners to secure the services of the 26-year-old 19-time German international.