Arsenal: Arsene Wenger plans to make a late £18m move for Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Lars Bender

Arsenal are considering a move to sign Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Lars Bender before the end of the transfer window, according to the Mirror.

The Frenchman has the services of several players who can play in the central midfield position and the list includes the likes of Francis Coquelin, Aaron Ramsey, Santi Cazorla, Jack Wilshere and Mathieu Flamini.

The England international has been sidelined with an injury while the report claims Flamini's future at the Emirates is uncertain as he has one year left on his contract with his current employers. This leaves Wenger with Coquelin, Ramsey and Cazorla, with the latter who can play in the advanced positions.

Wilshere's fitness concern and the French midfielder's uncertain future have forced the Gunners manager to bring in another midfielder. The north London club have identified the German international as a target to strengthen the centre of the park.

Arsenal scouts were watching Bender during Leverkusen's 1-0 Champions League play-off defeat to Lazio. The Mirror claims the Bundesliga outfit value their player around £18m ($28.2m) and Arsenal are set to meet the German club's asking price.

The Emirates club's league rivals Manchester City, Manchester United and Premier League winners Chelsea have further strengthened the squad by making new additions this summer. Wenger has admitted Arsenal are under pressure to keep up with the top clubs in the league.

"Of course, there is pressure to keep up with them. All of them have spent more money – although only one can win the title," Wenger is quoted as saying by the Mirror.

"You have to keep your nerve and not buy just because others buy, but because you have found a player who can really give you a plus."

Bender's addition to the Gunners' squad will give Wenger more options in the midfield. It should be seen if Leverkusen will allow one of the star players leave in the ongoing summer transfer window.