Arsenal are reportedly planning to switch their focus to Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Lars Bender should they fail to land the signature of Real Madrid's Sami Khedira.
The North London outfit's pursuit of the Madrid midfielder is said to have hit a stumbling block following reported wage issues.
Chelsea have now emerged as contenders for the 27-year-old, who played under Blues manager Jose Mourinho at the Bernabeu for three years.
According to the Daily Mail, Arsenal are prepared to up their pursuit of Bender should the Madrid midfielder opt to move to Stamford Bridge.
Khedira will start the season as a World Cup winner following Germany's 1-0 victory over Argentina in extra time during Sunday's final at the Maracana in Brazil.
