Striker Nicklas Bendtner is just one of many Arsenal names linked with an exit from the Emirates this summer. Bendtner has joined a number of Arsenal’s stars in expressing his desire to leave the club but just why has the far from prolific frontman been attracting so much attention in England when he has failed to live up to the hype at Arsenal?
The 23-year-old Danish international is clearly a gifted talent with the statue and pedigree that should have meant he could make an impact in the Premier League but frustratingly for Arsenal fans they have failed to see the best of Bendtner since he joined the club back in 2004. Bendtner endured another frustrating season last year when he was limited to 17 league starts, only scoring twice in the Premier League.
Despite his failure to live up to expectations Bendtner has an ego that often greatly surpasses his achievements on the pitch. Claiming you are one of the best strikers in the world is a perplexing claim from a striker who has often been limited to a peripheral role in the team under Arsene Wenger.
The obvious need for change at Arsenal has meant Bendtner has been pinpointed as one of the squad players to depart this summer. Whilst Bendtner would obviously attract attention from other clubs, reports of a three-way battle for a striker that has never set the league alight is surprising. Stoke, Sunderland and Newcastle are reportedly interested in the striker whilst there has been reported interest from a number of European teams. But what would the English clubs gain by taking a risk on Bendtner?
A fee of around £8million would represent not a huge spend in today’s transfer market whilst despite his failings, Bendtner would arrive with plenty of Premier League and European experience whilst only still being 23 years old. In defence of the Dane you could also claim that his progress at Arsenal has been hampered by Wenger’s desire to put him out wide rather than in the heart of the attack where arguably Bendtner would be a greater goal threat.
But in search of a regular goalscorer I think the likes of Stoke, Sunderland and Newcastle would be better to look elsewhere. Bendtner has spent enough time at Arsenal to make his mark whilst his attitude means he rarely enamors himself to fans in this country. European clubs Sporting Lisbon and Borussia Dortmund have also been linked with the striker so Bendtner may soon be leaving England for a fresh start in Europe.
Despite looking for a move, another option for Bendtner staying in England is remaining with the Gunners and fighting for his place in the attack. Wenger has responded to speculation about his striker’s future by insisting he could still stay but Arsenal may be better off letting Bendtner go. In what has been a turbulent summer for the Gunners, they desperately need team players. Bringing in replacements for stars like Fabregas and possibly Nasri would also require trimming the squad of unwanted squad players, a list that should include Bendtner.
Bendtner’s future in England remains uncertain and whilst talks of tugs of war between a number of Premier League clubs for a far from prolific striker are surprising, Bendtner may still get the chance to get prove he is a good (but probably not the best) Premier League striker.
Written by Jenny Kerwood for FootballFancast.com. Do you think Premier League teams should try and sign Bendtner? If you want to read more of my bite size, 140 character views and thoughts follow me on Twitter @jennyk5
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