Arsenal have reportedly earmarked Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Lars Bender as the man to save the Gunners' season following an injury crisis.

Manager Arsene Wenger is expected to make full use of the forthcoming January transfer window, with Santi Cazorla's three-month absence the latest in a series of crushing blows.

With Francis Coquelin and Mikel Arteta also out injured, Arsenal are forced to rely on Mathieu Flamini and defender Calum Chambers to fill the void in defensive midfield throughout the gruelling festive period.

However, Wenger is said to be a long-time admirer of Germany international Bender, and the Frenchman has made him his top priority during the winter window, according to the Evening Standard.

The North Londoners have 10 first-team players out injured in total, though Theo Walcott, Jack Wilshere and Danny Welbeck are due back in the coming weeks.

Bender, 26, is contracted to the Bundesliga side until 2019.