Bender was in Joachim Löw’s provisional 30-man Germany World Cup squad but was forced to withdraw with a thigh injury. At 25, he has been identified as an ideal long-term replacement to Mikel Arteta in the holding midfield position alongside Aaron Ramsey. Although Arteta has been a rock for Arsenal both on and off the field during what has been a turbulent period since 2011, he is now 32 and out of contract next year.