3. Lars Bender
The older of the Bender twins, renowned for their selflessness, consistency and work-rate, has already been subject of interest from the Gunners among other leading Premiership teams. He learnt his trade alongside his twin-brother Sven at 2. Bundesliga team TSV 1860 München, before Lars and Sven went their separate ways in 2009 - to Bayer 04 Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund respectively. Since then, Lars has become an important member of the German nation squad, he even scored the winner in a game against Denmark at Euro 2012, to send the Germans to the quarter-finals, from right-back where he can competently provide cover. Although he doesn't offer the brute strength of other defensive-midfielders, Bender makes up for it with stamina and work-rate, he will not spot running, constantly make ground up and down the pitch, displaying his immense fitness. So it should be no surprise that Bender regularly tops the charts for interceptions and tackles - his persistent running allows him to win possession all over the field. However, if Bender is to be brought by Arsenal, it would be wise to partner him up with another defensive midfielder, Bender is more of a box-to-box midfielder - therefore extra defensive cover would be required. And that would mean thatf Arsenal's attacking players would have to be sacrificed, in a squad packed with attacking-midfielders. Arsenal reportedly had an
£18.5 million bid turned down in the summer, but it is thought Bayer will listen to offer in excess of £23 million, a tempting price for such a work-horse.