Wenger plots move for Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Lars Bender

According to SportsMail, Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Lars Bender is emerging as a strong contender to become Mikel Arteta's long-term replacement at Arsenal.

Wenger wants a new central midfielder this summer and the Germany international has long been a favourite of the Gunners' scouting team.

The club have complied an extensive dossier on the 24-year-old and failed in an attempt to sign him last summer.

Arsenal are also keen on Borussia Dortmund's excellent midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, 23, but there is a feeling that Bender will be easier to land.

Gunners scouts are also watching Southampton's Morgan Schneiderlin, with Wenger known to be a long-term admirer of the central midfielder.

Vice-skipper Arteta has played a pivotal role for the Gunners in recent seasons, helping the club ensure their Champions League status.

But at the age of 31, Wenger wants a pair of younger legs in his central midfielder next season.