Blow to Arsenal as Barcelona emerge as suitors for their target

Arsene Wenger is facing competition from Barcelona for German midfielder Lars Bender.

And that will make it even more likely that Arsenal will move for No1 target Morgan Schneiderlin this summer.

The Spanish giants, who are currently under a transfer ban, have identified Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Bender as a top target.

Bender, 25, has been on Arsenal's radar for the past two seasons but Gunners boss Wenger will move for Southampton midfielder Schneiderlin - and only look elsewhere if they cannot get their man.

Arsenal also looked at Ilkay Gundogan in January but it seems increasingly likely that Schneiderlin is their preferred option.

They seem quietly confident of landing the French international despite interest from Manchester United and Tottenham.

Wenger has already tied down Francis Coquelin to a new contract to keep the French midfielder at the club.

But that will not stop Arsenal from moving for a top quality midfield anchorman like Schneiderlin with Bender and Gundogan as potential back-up options.