Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger plans to test Bayer Leverkusen's resolve with a bid for Lars Bender.
The Daily Star Sunday says he has German international Bender, 25, in his sights as he seeks a holding midfield player now that moves for Real Madrid's Sami Khedira have gone cold.
Bender is one of the toughest tacklers in German football and would cost around £15m.
He would join Arsenal's fast-growing list of German players at the club, including World Cup winners Ozil, Per Mertesacker, and Lukas Podolski.
