Tag Archives: Nicklas Bendtner

Out with the old, in with the new

  By jtom | 02/09/2011 - 7:36 AM | Uncategorized
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Nicklas Bendtner said on Thursday that he never wants to return to the Emirates. Mikel Arteta told Everton fans that he had to make the move to Arsenal. Per Mertesacker told reporters that he got his dream move to the Gunners this week. Meanwhile, the papers are still bashing Wenger.

The new striker at Sunderland, Nicklas Bendtner, never wants to return to Arsenal. He told The Sun: “I will never go back to Arsenal. If I can have it my way, I will never play for them again.

“I will find a new club — but I will not go back to Arsenal, that’s for sure.”

Bendtner signed with Sunderland on a season-long loan on transfer deadline day. He thinks he is one of the best strikers in the world, but yet he was not able to break into Arsene Wenger’s starting eleven. Now, Bendtner seems very bitter and disappointed.

Bendtner wants out of Arsenal.

With any luck, Nicklas will never put on the red-and-white again. He does not deserve his £50,000 per week, and Arsenal should never pay him that again. The Gunners will likely help pay his wage at Sunderland, because the Black Cats would be silly to pay the inconsistent Danish forward that amount of cash.

To put Bendtner’s wages in perspective, Mikel Arteta will reportedly make £55,000 a week after signing a four-year contract at Arsenal. Arteta is a more experienced Premiership player, and he does not have a massive ego.

Speaking of Arsenal’s newest signing, Arteta addressed Everton supporters (from Everton’s official website): “It is a big opportunity for me and my family and I think it is the right time for me to take it.

“It is a big challenge, a different challenge, fresh for me and I want to see myself on the biggest stage, the Champions League.
 
“I am 29 years old so I haven’t got much time left to take a chance like this one. I think I have done my best for Everton.”

Some journalists are already questioning Arsene Wenger’s decision to sign Arteta. According to The Telegraph, Arteta is one of the five worst signings by a Premier League club this summer. They say he is in decline, and even claim that the move was good for Everton.

In the same piece, The Telegraph boldly state that Liverpool’s Charlie Adam was one of the top additions in this transfer window. Adam is a decent player but I doubt he will get a game after Steven Gerrard returns. Adam is good for long shots or free kicks, but he is certainly not a top player.

Arsene Wenger, despite his many new signings, continues to be criticised in the media. Steven Howard, from The Mirror, has published an article today saying that Tony Pulis can teach Arsene Wenger about transfers. Remember that Stoke City bought Peter Crouch, Cameron Jerome, and Wilson Palacios.

Peter Crouch only scored four Premier League goals for Tottenham last season, and Redknapp scrambled to get a striker in January. Spurs brought in Adebayor to replace the good-for-a-header-every-now-and-then Crouch. Cameron Jerome scored three league goals last season as Birmingham City were relegated. Wilson Palacios was not rated highly enough to stay at White Hart Lane.

Howard refers to Per Mertesacker as “a massive, slow-turning vessel.” While Mertesacker is not known for his speed, he has the superior positioning skills that Johan Djourou lacks. Vermaelen has a ton of pace, and the Mertesacker-Vermaelen pairing could by very dynamic. One doesn’t earn 75 caps for Germany without being a quality defender.

Mertesacker is also an Arsenal supporter. He talked about his move to the Emirates: “When I was young I visited my aunt in England. As a football maniac you always brought back a shirt of course and I took the Arsenal kit. My brother took one of Manchester United.

“Since then I’ve always watched the Premier League and especially Arsenal. My connection to the club grew over the last 10 years. I didn’t think I’d play there someday, but I had this wish inside me. Back than I wouldn’t believe that I would be a Gunner now. That this story becomes reality is fascination enough.”

Forget Samir Na$ri. I want a player who takes pride in being a Gunner. Mertesacker may be the key addition of the summer. After last season’s shambolic defending and the eight-goal disaster at Old Trafford, Arsene Wenger really needed an intelligent defender.

At 1.68 m (6 ft 6 in), Mertesacker should handle tall strikers with no pace… like Peter Crouch.

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Transfer Notes: Bendtner, Lansbury, Campbell

  By jtom | 01/09/2011 - 8:09 AM | Joel Campbell, Transfer News
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Arsenal have sent Nicklas Bendtner on a season-long loan to Sunderland. Henri Lansbury will join West Ham on a loan deal. Lorient have signed Arsenal’s Joel Campbell (loan) and Gilles Sunu.

The big news is that Arsenal have signed Mikel Arteta and Yossi Benayoun, but let’s focus on some of the deadline day departures.

Sunderland signed Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner to a season-long loan deal in the last hour of the transfer window. Sunderland boss Steve Bruce had this to say about the move (from Sunderland’s official website): “I’ve had the privilege of working with Nicklas previously. I had him as an 18-year-old and he helped clinch promotion for Birmingham.

“He’s an outstanding talent and is a big, physical presence who will lead the line magnificently for us.”

Yes, but he thinks he is one of the best players in the world. He changed his shirt number to 52 because that is how many thousands of pounds he makes per week. Do not get too excited Sunderland fans. Bendtner can be a decent player on his day, but he has a fragile mind.

This move is good for Arsenal and Bendtner. The 23-year old striker needs playing time and he will not get it at the Emirates. With the arrival of Park Chu-young, Bendtner was set to get even less playing time. Plus, I would rather see Marouane Chamakh given another chance than Bendtner.

Henri Lansbury has gone from playing under Arsene Wenger to playing under Big Sam Allardyce. The 20-year old midfielder appeared in two Premier League matches for Arsenal this season, but now he is heading to West Ham.

Lansbury is not yet ready to play for Arsenal. He could become a good footballer, but he needs time to develop before he can play with the first team. Unfortunately, Arsene Wenger has been forced to use Lansbury and other young players in the squad because of injuries, suspension, and lack of squad depth.

Two Arsenal players are heading to French club Lorient. Costa Rican striker Joel Campbell will go on loan to Lorient after failing to get a work permit. Gilles Sunu, who was on loan at Lorient last season, will join the French club permanently.

Campbell signed with the Gunners earlier this month for a fee of £900,000. The 19-year old striker attracted interest from many of the top European clubs.

Sunu is a 20-year old forward who sat on the bench during Arsenal’s 8-2 loss to Manchester United. Arsenal have now rid themselves of three players who were on the bench on Sunday: Lansbury, Armand Traore (sold to QPR), and Sunu.

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Transfer Rumours: Cahill, Bendtner, Campbell

  By jtom | 09/08/2011 - 7:50 AM | Transfer News
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Arsenal have renewed their interest in Bolton’s Gary Cahill. Nicklas Bendtner confirmed on Monday that he will leave the Gunners. Arsenal are extremely close to signing striker Joel Campbell.

According to Daily Mail, Arsene Wenger has shifted his focus back to Bolton centre-back Gary Cahill. Wenger is more determined than ever to bring in a centre-half after the injury to Thomas Vermaelen in Arsenal’s final pre-season match against Benfica.

Arsenal scout Steve Rowley was at Reebok Stadium to watch Gary Cahill in Bolton’s friendly against Levante last Friday. Arsene Wenger originally backed away from Cahill after hearing Bolton’s high asking price.

Cahill would be an excellent addition to our squad. He is younger (and better) than Everton centre-half Phil Jagielka. Wenger is looking to add strength to his defence before Arsenal’s opening match against Newcastle.

Nicklas Bendtner confirmed Monday what many had expectedfor weeks. The big striker will be leaving the Emirates. Here is what he told Sky Sports News, when asked whether he will leave Arsenal: “Yes. I want to play at a place where I’m happy and where I play every week. That’s the most important thing for every football player. Hopefully that will happen soon.

“I’ve done my part and now I’m just waiting. I can’t say anything about who I’ve been speaking to, but hopefully it will all be sorted out soon.

“I’ve done my part as good as I can, and it’s up to Arsenal now to sort it out. I can’t do anything more.”

Clubs interested in Bendtner include Borussia Dortmund, Stoke City, and several Portuguese clubs. Whoever prchase Bendtner will likely end up paying Arsenal around £9m. Hopefully, Wenger sells him quick so that he can use the money to strengthen key areas (centre-back!).

Joel Campbell could replace Bendtner at the Emirates. The 19-year old Costa Rican striker is expected to join Arsenal this week for a fee of £900,000.

Last month, reports said that Campbell had rejected a move to Arsenal. Apparently, the young striker just wanted to focus on an international tournament before making a decision on  his future.

After signing 17-year old Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Wenger is likely to add another youngster. The Wenger critics will be angered to see yet another kid added to the squad.

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Bendtner close to Sporting Lisbon move

  By jtom | 29/07/2011 - 6:51 AM | Transfer News
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Arsenal are close to a £9 million deal sending striker Nicklas Bendtner to Sporting Lisbon.  Arsene Wenger has publicly stated that the Gunners are shopping Bendtner, who has not featured in any of Arsenal’s three preseason matches.

A suitor has finally stepped up to purchase Bendtner, and we can all be glad about that.  The Danish striker, known for his astronomical ego, has not lived up to Arsene Wenger’s expectation.  Wenger is trimming the heard and that means Bendtner must go.

With the arrival of Gervinho and emergence of Ryo Miyaichi, there is no longer a need for Bendtner.  The 23-year old has had some success playing on the wing, but with his height (1.95 m, 6 ft 5 in), he is an ideal frontman.  Bendtner and his agent (also his father) have been pandering for a move for some time.

If this deal goes through, Arsene can use the extra £9m to reinforce his bids for centre-backs Gary Cahill, Christopher Samba, and Phil Jagielka.  Bendtner will get more playing time in Portugal.  This is a good deal for everyone.

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Transfer News: Campbell, Jagielka, Bendtner

  By jtom | 18/07/2011 - 7:22 AM | Transfer News
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Arsenal have agreed in to sign Costa Rican star Joel Campbell.  Phil Jagielka has reportedly snubbed Arsenal to stay at Everton.  Everton could sign Nicklas Bendtner on loan.

Arsenal have made an agreement in principle to sign Costa Rican striker Joel Campbell.  Campbell currently plays for Costa Rican side C.D. Saprissa.  The president of Samprissa, Juan Roja, had this about to say to ADN Radio: 

“There is an agreement in principle already (with Arsenal), although everything is now on hold for Joel Campbell and his family to accept the transfer.

“No doubt, this would be an historical deal for the country, for Saprissa and for the player.  We are happy for him because this is a unique opportunity, one to which you cannot say no, and we cannot refuse an offer like this.”

Who is Joel Campbell?  He is a 19-year old striker who has recently caught on with Costa Rica.  Campbell has six caps for Costa Rica and two goals.  He scored the first against Cuba in the CONCACAF Gold Cup last month.  Earlier this month, Campbell scored his second against Bolivia in the Copa America.

According to Goal.com, Arsenal will pay £930,000 for Campbell, who has been on the radar of the top European clubs for a while.  He made nine appearances for the U-20 Costa Rican team and scored eight times.  The deal will be completed after personal terms and working permits are sorted out.

According to The Independent, Phil Jagielka would rather stay at Everton than move to the Emirates.  Wenger favours Jagielka over some of the other centre-backs that are linked with a move to Arsenal.  But the 28-year old no longer wants to play for Arsenal, as he did last summer.

Everton want between £15m-£20m for the England international.  He is not worth that kind of cash.  Gary Cahill or Christopher Samba would be better options.  Jagielka does not really impress me, and he is nearing the end of his peak effectiveness.

Samba is the perfect centre-half for us.  He is big, physical, and a leader.  Samba is also an excellent shot-blocker.  Cahill, my second choice, would cost just as much as Jagielka but the Bolton man is three years younger.

According to Sky Sports, Everton are looking to bring in Nicklas Bendtner on a loan deal.  The Toffees are looking for a more goals, and David Moyes believes that Bendtner can succeed at Goodison Park.

It will be interesting to see what Bendtner can accomplish as a starter in the Premier League.  This is not a done deal yet, but I have a feeling Wenger will send Bendtner on loan.  Arsene is not ready to give up on the Danish striker.

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Transfer News: Downing, Bendtner, Mertesacker

  By jtom | 11/07/2011 - 7:14 AM | Uncategorized
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11 July 2011:  Aston Villa has stated that they have not received an Arsenal bid for Stewart Downing.  Nicklas Bendtner will miss the Asian Tour while working out a move from the Emirates.  Arsenal may still be looking at Per Mertesacker as a solution to the centre-back woes.

According to The Guardian, Aston Villa has denied receiving a bid from Arsenal for winger Stewart Downing.  Rumours were swirling around an £18m offer, but it appears to be false. 

According to Sky Sports, Downing would prefer to go to Liverpool over Arsenal.  Interesting, considering Liverpool will not play in Europe this season.  The Anfield side finished sixth in the Premier League last season, not good enough for Europa League… but good enough for Stewart Downing.

Let Downing go to Liverpool.  He is not a player to get excited about anyway.  There are much more talented wingers out there than the Aston Villa man.  In fact, 18-year old Ryo Miyaichi could be the answer.  I will spend more time on him in the Asian tour preview article later today.

According to various sources, Nicklas Bendtner is set to leave Arsenal.  The Danish striker was left off the squad for the upcoming tour, and it is believed that he will soon leave England to play in either Portugal or Germany.  Borussia Dortmund and Sporting Lisbon are believed to be the leading the chase for Bendtner but do not count out Benfica.

According to The Telegraph, Bendtner will bring around £9m.  Arsene will take the money for the disgruntled striker.  It is unfortunate for Bendtner, who just isn’t able to be effective in the Premier League.  He won’t be effective for German champions Dortmund either but maybe he can advance his career in Portugal.

According to Metro, Per Mertesacker is “back in Arsenal’s transfer plans.”  Our club has been interested in the German centre-half for quite some time.  The Metro report states that Wenger will offer Schalke £7m for Mertesacker. 

The 26-year old Mertesacker would be a blessing for our club.  He is very tall at 1.98 m (6 ft 6 in), and a strong aerial presence is something we are missing.  Mertesacker may come cheaper than Gary Cahill or Phil Jagielka, but he is just as good, if not better, than the two Englishmen.  The German has already made 75 appearances for his country.

That is it for the transfer rundown for today.  Remember to check back later today for my preview of Arsenal’s Asian tour.

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Arsenal Transfer News: Cesc, Downing, and More!

  By jtom | 10/07/2011 - 7:10 AM | Uncategorized
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10 July 2011:  Arsenal has placed a £35 million price tag on Cesc Fabregas.  Cesc has apoligized to fans for missing the upcoming Asian Tour.  Arsenal could be looking at Stewart Downing to replace Samir Nasri.  Nicklas Bendtner and Manuel Almunia are set to leave early next week as Arsene trims the herd.

Let’s start with Cesc.  According to various sources, Barcelona will have to pay £35m for Cesc Fabregas.  The Catalans already submitted an offer of £31m, but were rejected as Arsene remained stubborn.  Cesc is only £4m away from his dream move back home. 

David Villa would love to see Cesc join him at the Nou Camp: “I am not hiding what I think of Cesc.  I have a weakness for him.  I view him as a friend and hopefully he will complete his transfer.”  Well, why don’t you two head to the cinema for a little get-together

Wenger may soon lose his “fight” to hang on to his captain.  I am sure Barcelona are willing to spare an extra £4m to get a deal done.  Arsene is probably slowing the negotiations as he looks for a midfield replacement like Juan Mata or Arturo Vidal. 

Cesc apologized on his Twitter account for missing the trip to Asia: “Im sorry to all the fans in Asia that I won’t be on the tour.  After just returning from Indonesia I know how special u all r.  I’ll make it up.”

Yes, he will make it up… by travelling with Barcelona to the Far East next summer.  But in all seriousness, what does Cesc plan to do to “make it up.”  The fans in Asia are most likely fans of the club, not just of him.  Cesc is a great player, but he doesn’t garner the kind of following worldwide as someone like Cristiano Ronaldo.  Plus, he is not Asian.  So the only way he can make it up is by staying at the Emirates.

According to Daily Mail, Arsenal are looking to beat out Liverpool for Stewart Downing.  Downing, rated at £15m, may snub Liverpool in order to play in the Champions League.  Wenger may bring in Downing to replace Nasri if the French midfielder bolts to Manchester.  Arsene will certainly feel more secure selling Nasri if a Downing deal is in place.

I have criticised Stewart Downing on this blog before, calling him a half-decent winger earlier in the week.  He doesn’t have the skill or promise that Nasri does.  But he is a solid winger who can cross the ball.  Most Gooners just want to here some good news, and this might not be it.  Downing is a serviceable winger but nothing to get excited about.

Here is some good news.  According to The Guardian, both Bendtner and Almunia could be on their way out of the Emirates.  Bendtner has been linked with several different clubs, but it looks like he could complete a move to Benfica.  With Almunia, who knows?  I hear there is an opening at Ebbsfleet United.

Several interesting names have been added to the Arsenal rumour mill.  Wenger could be interested in a youngster from Real Madrid named Esteban Granero.  Hugo Rodallega of Wigan has said that Arsenal are interested in him: “Arsenal are interested in me and this is a club I have always liked.”

Rodallega is a good striker but I doubt Wenger will jump for him now.  First off, Gervinho’s signing is set to be announced any moment now (really, any time now would be great!).  Gervinho will be the only striker signed this summer because there is no need for two new strikers.  Maybe Rodallega is trying to talk his way into a move.

Check back in the coming days for more transfer news and a preview of Arsenal’s Asian tour.

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Arsenal Transfer News: Nasri, Chamberlain, Gervinho

  By jtom | 02/07/2011 - 7:33 AM | Uncategorized
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The first day of the transfer window came and past without learning anything substantial.  Nasri could be on the move, or could stay.  Clichy is likely to go but no announcement on that yet.  Gervinho is already talking about the Arsenal despite no official confirmation.  Different sources say different things about Cesc.  Just one tangled mess so far.

Let’s start with Samir.  We learned that Chelsea may join the bidding war for the Frenchman.  Abrahmovich will likely go hard after Nasri if his club fails to sign Luka Modric.  Chelsea, United, City, Milan, Inter… now all we need is Real Madrid to get into the mix. 

According to The Telegraph, Nasri will meet with Wenger on Monday when training is set to begin.  The two are likely to discuss salary.  The club wants Nasri to settle for £90,000 a week.  Samir wants £110,000 a week and Wenger to promise to strengthen the squad in the transfer market.

Where is the logic in these negotiations?  Paying Samir £110,000 a week would only limit Wenger’s spending power.  The modern footballer expects to be paid handsomely and assured that the manager will spend millions on transfers.  This is what makes Manchester City and Chelsea so appealing to these money-grabbers.

Southampton manager Nigel Adkins stated yesterday that Arsenal have not submitted a big for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain: “I think it will be interesting when it does materialise, whether it’s Arsenal or whoever starts talking to the football club.

“I think probably there’s conversations going on in the boardroom at Arsenal about players who are going to leave and maybe they would like to target.

“If Arsenal wanted to put a bid in, they’d put a bid in the right manner. This football club will then go and decide what to do with that bid – if it’s offered.”

First off, why doesn’t Adkins mind his own business?  He has obviously heard the reports about the possible exits of Cesc, Nasri, and Clichy.  Adkins took a snide swipe at Wenger with those comments just because Wenger is interested in his young star.

Adkins made this comments after widespread reports that Arsenal were close (or had signed) Chamberlain.  How many times have we “signed” Oxlade-Chamberlain so far?  Just shows you that the tabloids should be taken lightly.

Gervinho had much to say about Arsenal yesterday (telling The Sun): “I chose Arsenal because it’s a young group within which I will be able to integrate easily.  I could develop more over there. There’s only a few details left to sort out.

“I’m going to Arsenal to play. The best risk to take is to look to score goals and to play a lot.

“In football you have to take risks if you want to win. I’m going to Arsenal to win.”

Hopefully, the official word comes out soon regarding Gervinho’s future.  He is a talented player who could become a real compliment to RVP.  This deal must already be done though, or Gervinho would not have spoken so openly about his future at the Emirates.

Nicklas Bednter’s father believes his son is attracting a lot of interest from “all the big leagues.”  Thomas Bendtner (representative of Nicklas) told Sporten.dk: “There is an interest from several German clubs. I can confirm that Borussia Dortmund wish to buy.

“Unfortunately, I can’t comment if there has been any negotiations between Dortmund and Nicklas, or Dortmund and Arsenal.”

Like father like son.  Thomas Bendtner thinks his son is still a  superstar even though Bolton snubbed him.  The faster Bendtner leaves the better.

That is the transfer wrap-up from yesterday.  No huge news but some little tidbits here and there.  Come Monday, we may know much more about how our club is shaping up for this season.

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News and Notes: Nasri, Wilshere, Bendtner

  By jtom | 01/06/2011 - 7:00 AM | Uncategorized
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Arsene Wenger has promised not to sell Samir Nasri to Manchester United. Arsene also said that Barcelona are no longer interested in Cesc Fabregas. Jack Wilshere thinks that Arsenal need to work the match officials more. Reports say that Nicklas Bendtner will bring big money to our club.

First up, Arsene Wenger had some interesting things to say on French radio yesterday: “One thing’s for sure: we’re not selling him (Nasri) to Manchester United. Are we still in discussions with Nasri? Yes, but we are still in disagreement over the financial contract on offer, which we haven’t settled. We are trying to extend his deal.”

Hopefully Nasri can get a deal done to keep him at the Emirates soon. He has been key this season in helping us qualify for the Champions League. I would rather Wenger sell Cesc than Samir. Speaking of which, here is what Arsene had to say about his captain:

“Barcelona were interested last year in Cesc but not this year. For me, he’s the world’s best midfielder. He’s our captain. We’ve built the team around him. Of course we want to keep him.”

It would be stupid for Barca to spend around £50m for a super-sub at this time. Reports say that Guardiola may make the move for Villareal striker Giuseppe Rossi for £21.8m. Barcelona will not spend over £70m this summer with the new financial fair play rules that will be in effect in the coming years.

Wenger then talked about the needs of his side. This is the qualities Wenger wants in a forward: “World-class strength. Everyone is looking to reinforce their attack as it’s always important to improve in that area of the team.”

Arsene did not forget about the centre-half problems: “We’re also after an experienced defender, maybe one who is already used to life in the Premier League. That has been our weakness.

“But you should remember that we still had a better defence last season than a lot of other good teams, including Manchester City.”

Certainly some positive and optimistic comments from Arsene. Maybe a little time away in his homeland has helped ease the stress of managing one of the top clubs in the Premier League. We (Gooners) just hope we can remain one of the top clubs.

Jack Wilshere:

“It’s no use just Robin van Persie going because it looks like it’s just him having a go at the ref. If we all get round him…

“You just see the other teams do it and you think ‘we need to do it as well’. Man United are the best at it. They get round the referee. We have to be more of a team and be more aggressive and show more authority.”

Really a very disappointing comment from Wilshere. Arsenal Football Club is a club founded on class and a family atmosphere. The club is one and the players should act as one. That does not mean that the players must crowd the referee and physically dominate him the way Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand do. It is disgusting, disgraceful, and embarrassing. To be fair, the same can be said about the best team in the world, Barcelona.

Referees need to be treated with respect. The only people on the pitch who should be in the referee’s ear is the manager and the captain. Robin van Persie should be our captain next season whether Cesc decides to leave or stay. The rest of the players should not approach. Anyone else should be given a yellow card if the disobey. OK… enough ranting.

Nicklas Bendtner’s agent believes that the striker could bring as much as £12m this summer:

“As an agent for Nicklas, I am not told the specific price that Arsenal want. Clubs will sort that out between each other.

“Around £12m sounds very realistic. He has been higher, but the price goes down when he is not playing enough.

“Nicklas has all the qualities to live up to that sort of money, and we can easily find him a club which wants to pay that amount of money.”

All I have to say is: Good luck with that.

According to reports, Sevilla will make an £8m offer for Denilson. Wenger should take that deal before it goes off the table, which is after Sevilla watch his game tapes from the season that has passed.

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News and Notes: Bendtner, Tranfer Policy, Tour

  By jtom | 25/05/2011 - 7:00 AM | Uncategorized
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Nicklas Bendtner will likely leave this summer according to his father, who is also his agent. Arsene Wenger took some time yesterday to talk about his transfer policy. Arsenal have announced that they will be embarking on a tour of Malaysia and China this summer.

Wenger will be "very active" in the transfer market.

First topic will be the unhappy Danish striker with a massive ego. Who else but Nicklas Bendtner. Here is what his father, Thomas Bendtner, had to say:

“Nicklas has made his decision and told Arsenal: he wants to leave the club. There has not been any change in his situation and so we have told Arsenal that we will search the market for a new club. I can say that there is serious interest from English and German clubs and it is not going to be a problem to find him a good club.”

Thomas Bendtner even started speculating on clubs interested in his son. He specifically mentioned Bayern Munich, who have had interest in Nicklas in the past. Reports also have Bayern interested in Samir Nasri. Bayern can have Bendtner, but hopefully Wenger can hold on to his fellow Frenchman.

The Guardian are reporting that Wenger wants £8.7m for Bendtner. Bayern will have to dish out the cash if they are truly interested in Bendtner. If they do, they will soon find out that they have an egomaniac, which is fine if the player is world class. Too bad Bendtner is only a second-rate striker.

Wenger tried to calm the nerves of supporters (like me) yesterday: “The market will be hyperactive because everyone believes financial fair play will happen soon. So we are quickly doing the last buying before the stores will be closed. And for the first time for a while, I will be very active, too.”

“The club is in a healthy financial situation and we have got the basis of the team but we know we want to be stronger next year. The fans need to trust us because the club is in a strong position. I share their disappointment because a few weeks ago we were in a position to win the league and in the end we play for qualifying in the Champions League.”

Maybe this is the year Wenger spends some real money. But how many times have we said that in the past few seasons. I am not going to get my hopes up. Wenger has a certain philosophy that is unwavering and has brought him success in the past. I do not see him changing that policy after so many years as manager.

Arsenal will be going on a brief tour of Asia this summer. Two games will be played, one in Maylasia and another in China. Arsenal Chairman Ivan Gazidis was estatic over the announcement: “It will also be a wonderful experience for the club and our players, many of whom will be visiting Malaysia and China for the first time.”

No doubt that Arsene does not approve of this tour. He did want to play a charity match in Japan, where he used to manage in the J-League. Arsene has never been a fan of summer tours and has generally tried to avoid them. This decision likely came from the board, who see it as a finacial gain that also grows Arsenal’s fanbase worldwide.

Not so sure that these tours cause a slow start to the season. Manchester United tour the world every season. Last summer, United visited the United States for a few matches and they won the title. So I do not think the summer tours impact the performance of the team.

One last topic for today. Jack Wilshere has decided to pull out of the Under-21 European Championship. Apparently, he has heeded Wenger overwork warning:

“Missing the Under-21 tournament is not just about the Euros. It’s about me looking after myself. Over the last few weeks I have been feeling tired and my GPS results have shown that. It shows I am heading for an injury and that is the last thing I want. Especially heading into the Euros. There are players like Steven Gerrard who have been injured while I have been playing and I want to keep my place in the team and I have to be 100% to do that.”

Arsene resorted to scare tactics (complex statistics) to change the mind of Wilshere: “It was Arsène Wenger and Tony Colbert, the fitness coach, who showed me the stats. It didn’t really sink in at first but it just kept going down, on a downward spiral.”

“It scared me a bit, made me realise that as much as I’m 19 and can keep going and going, there’s going to be a time when you’re going to hit the wall.”

Wenger is an economist. He could have just printed some fake statistics to scare the 19-year old Wilshere. It would be hilarious if he did. No, Wenger relies heavily on stats due to his background in economics. I have noticed Wilshere’s work rate has been down. He is certainly not as “fresh” as he was a couple months ago.

Let us end on this comment from Wenger: “Whether we deserve to come fourth or not, it is the points which count. The team has given a lot this year, we will be active and busy certainly and will try to make the right decisions. We have to take it on the chin and come back stronger next season.”

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