Lars Bender Doubts he is Ready for 'Big Move' Amid Arsenal Interest

Lars Bender has ruled out the possibility of leaving Bayer Leverkusen this summer despite reported interest from Arsenal.

Arsene Wenger is keen to add a formidable midfield presence to his squad this summer having seen a number of key players struck down by injury this season, helping derail the Gunners' once promising title charge.

Bender, 25, has been identified as the man to add steel to the club's midfield, but after a second half of the season where his form dropped at an alarming rate he admits he is not ready to take on a role at a bigger club.

"I signed my new contract until 2019, and that should have told everyone how happy I am at Leverkusen," Bender said.

"I feel settled here and see no reason to change anything. In fact, if I am to be completely honest, I haven't had an overly 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."

In addition to Bender, who was on Thursday named in Joachim Low's preliminary 30-man Germany squad for this summer's World Cup, Bayern Munich's Javi Martinez has also been linked with a move to north London as Wenger attempts to address concerns in his squad.

The Arsenal boss has already confirmed that Kim Kallstrom with return to Spartak Moscow at the end of the season after an uninspiring loan spell in north London, while concerns have also arisen over Mikel Arteta after his form dropped in the second half of the season.

But while Wenger admits the Spaniard may only be able to operate at the highest level for another couple of seasons, he recently suggested he will be in no great hurry to find a replacement for the former Everton star.

"I like Mikel Arteta because of his quality, his focus, his commitment and his winner's attitude. I have big respect for what he has achieved this season. He is very conscientious, very professional and he has a couple of years left (at the top.)"