Post by ogsdog on Nov 16, 2010 21:38:11 GMT -1
Italian league leaders AC Milan are keeping a close eye on Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner , who recently expressed his frustration over a lack of first-team chances.
The 22-year-old scored 11 goals for Arsenal in 30 appearances last season and led Denmark's attack at the World Cup. However, he suffered from a groin problem and only became available for selection again within the last few weeks. In that time, Bendtner has started just two games with summer signing Marouane Chamakh preferred by Arsene Wenger.
Bendtner expressed his frustration last week, saying "If the situation doesn't change - if I keep sitting on the bench at Arsenal I must leave. It's as simple as that."
Gunners' boss Wenger yesterday reassured Bendtner that he is firmly in his future plans for the club. Yet, Italian giants AC Milan are reportedly keeping a close eye on the situation with an eye to making a move for the Danish hit man.
Italian website Tuttomercato reports that the San Siro club are particularly keen on Bendtner given that veteran striker Filippo Inzaghi suffered a serious knee injury last week which looks set to keep him sidelined for at least the remainder of the season.
German champions Bayern Munich are also reported to be interested in Bendtner, according to the UK media this morning.
Nicklas Bendtner has become a big-money target for Bayern Munich after his outburst against Arsenal.
The German giants are watching developments closely after the 22-year-old Danish striker admitted he is fed-up of not getting regular first team football.
Bendtner missed Sunday's victory at Everton less than 48 hours after his outspoken remarks which are believed to have annoyed Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger.
Unhappy Bendtner pulled out of the Danish squad with Arsenal claiming he was not fully fit as he battles back from a long-term groin injury.
That only heightened Arsenal's surprise at the timing of Bendtner's outburst because he is a long way from being 100 per cent and yet was still moaning at his treatment.
Bendtner said last week: "If the situation doesn't chance - if I keep sitting on the bench at Arsenal I must leave. It's as simple as that."
Bendtner will now be expected to work hard in training and get himself right with Wenger insisting that he is not for sale and he signed a long-term contract last year.
Arsenal do not want to sell despite Bendtner facing stiff competition from Marouane Chamakh and Robin van Persie.
But that has not deterred some discreet enquiries and Bayern are keen to strengthen their strike force while Juventus are also watching developments closely.
Wenger, however, is adamant that there is no rift and the club will not allow him to leave.
Wenger said: "He was not in the squad at Everton because he had a little groin problem and I left him at home.
"I want him to stay. I have known him since he was 16 years old and I have a strong rapport with him. I like him as a player and a person, even if I do not agree with every statement. Overall I want him to stay and be part of the group."
It seems unlikely Bayern would get any encouragement for a bid in January but they may test Arsenal's resistance next summer.