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Leverkusen: Bender going nowhere

Bayer Leverkusen have no plans to sell reported Arsenal target Lars Bender, according to sporting director Rudi Voller.

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Bender, 25 -- like his twin brother Sven -- missed the World Cup, suffering a muscle injury during the first few days of Germany's pre-tournament training camp in May.

The injury, however, has not dampened speculation about his future, with the Daily Mail reporting that Arsenal have renewed their interest and made an enquiry about a player who is under contract at Leverkusen until 2019.

However, Voller told Kolner Stadt Anzeiger: "Firstly, we have not received an offer from anyone, and secondly, Lars will stay here.

"It just makes no sense to buy Hakan Calhanoglu [from Hamburg] and sell Bender. We have high ambitions."

Leverkusen finished fourth in the Bundesliga last season and will participate in the Champions League playoffs in August.

The club open their domestic campaign at Borussia Dortmund, and have already done plenty of business in the transfer market.

Leverkusen have bought Switzerland international Josip Drmic from Nunrberg, and have also signed Brazilian youngster Wendell from Gremio.

Earlier this month, they signed Calhanoglu from Hamburg, with the 20-year-old midfielder joining for a reported 14.5 million euros.