Bendtner Fitness Holds Key To Transfer Dealings

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has revealed that the fitness of Danish striker Nicklas Bendtner will be be a key factor in deciding whether he opts to add another forward to his squad in January.

The loss of Robin van Persie in late November prompted a flurry of speculation suggesting that the usually frugal Wenger would be tempted to dip his toes into the mid-season transfer window. But, despite the Dutchman’s long term injury, the Gunners are on course to break Premier League scoring records after having found the net a staggering 51 times at the championship’s halfway point.

Targetman Bendtner, who turns 22 this month, limped out of his sides 3-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur with a groin injury, and since then, has also undergone surgery due to a hernia.

It is hoped that he will return by the end of January to help ease his teams striker shortage, but Wenger is aware that should Bendtner require more time in the treatment room, then an additional striker will be vital to his teams title charge.

“It depends on Bendtner and how bad [his injury] is,” said the Frenchman, in his 13th season at the Emirates.

“He is being treated now and will come back on Friday for tests then we will assess the situation.

“The real test will be in the next two weeks, with the projection with Bendtner. If he is out for two months, there is no way – we will need someone absolutely. We cannot have one [striker].

“We are looking anyway and if we find a good bargain then, despite that, we will still do it. 

“But there is still a 50-50 chance that we will sign somebody.” 

West Ham’s Carlton Cole has been mooted as a potential replacement, with the cash strapped east London outfit needing to sell their prized assets in a bid to stay afloat, as has long-term target Marouane Chamakh. However, Wenger has moved to rubbish speculation over the Morroccan making a switch to London this January, believing that he will see out the remainder of his contract with French club Bordeaux.

“Chamakh is in the Champions League with Bordeaux and at the top of their league, so he will not move now,” said Wenger.

“He has four months [of his contract] to go with Bordeaux and they have no interest in selling him.”