10 facts on Arsenal’s midfield target

Arsenal reportedly had a big money offer turned down for Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Lars Bender last week, so we have scoured the files of the German and come up with 10 facts that we think you should know about him. Gooners divulge.

1) Bender was born in Rosenheim, Germany, and signed up to his local side TSV Brannenburg before progressing through the ranks of both SpVgg Unterhaching and 1860 Munich.

2) His twin brother Sven followed the same route and both made over 60 appearances at the Munich side before going their separate ways.

3) As Sven went to Borussia Dortmund, Lars signed for Bayer Leverkusen and he has now made 138 appearances for the club, scoring 12 goals.

4) Lars has represented his country at U17, U19, U20 and U21 level before getting his call up to the senior side.

5) He made his debut Germany cap in 2011 and has gone on to make another 10, scoring thrice.

6) Bender was part of the Germany U19 squad that claimed victory in the 2008 Championships.

7) He also scored three last season in the Bundesliga during his 33 games and created a further 31 chances for his colleagues.

8) Bender is represented by agency ProSoccer who also hold Sven, Robert Huth and Hannover forward Jan Schlaudraff on their ranks.

9) Bender once won the Fritz-Walter trophy for his fine performances.

10) Lars was born a few minutes before his brother Sven.