Arsenal fans in the Football Transfer Tavern feel slightly intimidated as the Daily Mirror revealed that Barcelona look to beat them to Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Lars Bender.
The Spanish giants, who are looking to be back to their best, are keen on the 25-year-old as they look to freshen up their midfield.
If Barcelona pursue Bender, Arsenal could be pushed into chasing other targets and then they may forced to chase Southampton’s Morgan Schneiderlin.
Punters continually argue in the Tavern that Bender has been linked to Arsenal for the past two seasons and if they haven’t signed him by now, then what chance do they stand if Barca are now interested.
If they are pushed to other targets, it may not be as simple as signing Schneiderlin as he may be convinced once again to stay at St Mary’s.
And before they know it, Arsene Wenger could be caught in a scrap with Manchester United for Borussia Dortmund midfielder Ilkay Gundogan.
But Wenger’s priorities may change by the time the summer transfer window has opened thanks to the introduction of Francis Coquelin, who has been fantastic since his return from Charlton.
