Arsenal have been given the all clear to move for Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Lars Bender, reports the Telegraph.
The Gunners are expected to dip into the transfer market in the New Year following injuries to Francis Coquelin, Mikel Arteta and Santi Cazorla.
Arsene Wenger's side have been left short in the middle of the park as a result and are now supposedly set to make a move for long-standing target Bender in January.
The Bundesliga side have admitted they are powerless to stop Europe's elite sides from signing their players, with club chairman Michael Schade saying: "Bayer Leverkusen can't be as arrogant to say that we are creating world stars and will retire here."
Bender has impressed when fit to feature, with his WhoScored rating (7.86) the third best in the Bundesliga this term.
For more stats on Lars Bender, click here to view his WhoScored player page
