Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is having scouts watch Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Lars Bender leading up to the January transfer window.

Wenger has reportedly given his scouts instructions to keep close tabs on Bender, who has impressed in his time at the Bundesliga side.

German reports indicate the Gunners will follow up their original bid, worth £18.5m, for the German international in January, with an improved offer of £25m, says the Daily Star.

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