Arsenal have been alerted by the news that one of the most talented players in Germany -- Lars Bender -- has a buyout clause, while the Gunners are preparing a bid for Mainz forward Adam Szalai.

Arsene Wenger recently said promising players are now coming out of Germany and Spain rather than France, his favorite market.

Arsenal have been linked with moves for the likes of Mario Gotze and Marco Reus in the past, with Bayer Leverkusen's Bender very much figuring in on that list.

Bender reportedly has a worth €15 million (£12.2 million, $19.5 million) release clause, according to German newspaper Express.

Able to play in a variety of positions, the German international is a typically versatile player, most comfortable in central midfield as a screening presence.

While Mikel Arteta has done an admirable job in that position this year, Arsenal could, no doubt, use with a more bigger presence, and Bender would fit the bill perfectly.

Arsenal transfer fixer Dick Law was in Germany in the summer, scouting for players, with Bender figuring right on the top. Wenger is definitely a big admirer of the 23-year-old, and could make a move if the reports of the buyout clause turn out to be true.

Meanwhile, according to the reliable newspaper Bild, Arsenal are keeping tabs on Mainz striker Szalai and are set to rival Borussia Dortmund and Wolfsburg for the 25-year-old's signature.

The Gunners have looked towards Szalai after realizing David Villa would not be arriving at the Emirates in January, following Barcelona president Sandro Rossell's comments that the Spanish striker would not be sold in the winter window.

Mainz manager Christian Heidel, however, said there was no apparent interest in his striker, but the club would have to consider their options were they to receive a serious bid.

"There is definitely no interest," Heidel told the Bild. "For no amount of money would we sell him now.

"If someone came to us with €20 million (£16 million, $26 million), then we will see."

Szalai chose to remain non-commital when asked about interest from Arsenal. "I know nothing," he said with a smile.

There is little chance that Arsenal would pay that amount of money for the Hungarian international, with Atletico Madrid forward Adrian Lopez costing less.