Leverkusen rule out Bender exit

The Germany midfielder has reportedly attracted the interest of Arsenal, but his current club have stressed he is not for sale

Bayer Leverkusen have made it clear that they have no intention of selling Lars Bender amid reports linking the midfielder with a move to Arsenal.

The Germany international has developed into one of Leverkusen's undisputed star players since joining the Werkself from 1860 Munich in 2009 and his current club are keen to hold on to the 24-year-old.

"We have no intention to sell Lars," general manager Michael Reschke told Kicker when questioned about Bender's future.

Sporting director Rudi Voller, meanwhile, has insisted that Leverkusen are yet to receive any offers for the holding midfielder.

"We have not received any bids for Lars," Voller stated.

Bender's contract with Leverkusen runs until the summer of 2017.