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Anorak News | Transfer Balls: Arsenal Want Gundogan, Court Matinez But Bid For Stay-At-Home Bender

Transfer Balls: Arsenal Want Gundogan, Court Matinez But Bid For Stay-At-Home Bender

by | 7th, May 2014

ARE Arsenal set to buy Bayern Munich’s Javi Martinez?

The Telegraph says they could be:

“Arsenal make approach to Bayern Munich for transfer of Javi Martinez”

But maybe the Gunners will invest that “£100m” transfer budget in Lars Bender? Big money, eh. Or as the Irish Indy notes: “Arsene Wenger warns Arsenal fans not to expect big money signings.” So lots of  little signings, then, for that £100m? Er, no. The Mirror says:

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger says he will only make ‘two or three’ signings this summer

Back to the Tele, which continues:

Bender is another Germany-based player who interests Wenger and, although he might be slightly cheaper than Martinez, would still cost around £25 million.

Or as the Daily Mail reports:

Arsenal want clarification on Javi Martinez before pursuing £20m Lars Bender

So. It’s one of those two, then?

Their ultimate target is be Borussia Dortmund’s Ilkay Gundogan, but the club realise their chances of landing the highly-coveted Germany international are slim.

It’s not Gundogan. It probably won’t be Martinez, who is too dear. Bender it is, then. Or as the Mirror puts it:

Arsenal suffer transfer blow as reported target Lars Bender reveals plans to stay with Bayer Leverkusen

Why? The Metro says he’s no Arteta:

Lars Bender: I’m not yet good enough for Arsenal transfer

Is that what he said? No.

“I signed my new contract until 2019, and that should have told everyone how happy I am at Leverkusen. I feel settled here and see no reason to change anything. In fact, if I am to be completely honest, I haven’t had a brilliant season and don’t feel ready yet to take on a pivotal role at a big club somewhere else. I need to keep working on my game, and I am going to do that here at Leverkusen. That suits me, and I am happy with that.”

So says the man The Guardian calls a “legend”.

Such are the facts.



Posted: 7th, May 2014 | In: Arsenal, Sports Comment | TrackBack | Permalink