Source: Telegraph
I am Arsenal's best striker says Nicklas Bendtner
The Dane is likely to play a prominent role for Arsene Wenger's team over the coming weeks after Emmanuel Adebayor was ruled out with a hamstring injury. But regardless of the Togo striker's misfortune, or the presence of the talented Robin van Persie and Arshavin in the Arsenal squad, Bendtner insists he should be considered the north Londoners' best frontman. [LNB]"I'm very sorry to see Adebayor injured as we need him fit and to be playing in the league," he said. "But it does not really matter to me who is fit and available. [LNB]"I should start every game, I should be playing every minute of every match and always be in the team." [LNB]Arshavin became one of the hottest properties in football after his brilliant performances at last summer's European Championships with Russia. His signing earlier this month was seen as a major coup for Wenger and Arsenal but Bendtner admits he is not too familiar with the Russian's style. "I've never seen Arshavin. I did not watch Euro 2008," he said. [LNB]"I've no idea what sort of player he is." [LNB]Wenger however, does not share Bendtner's confidence. The club have managed just four goals in their last six home league matches and the Frenchman said he has given Bendtner as host of chances to prove himself. [LNB]"Bendtner has had plenty of opportunities this year. if you look at the number of games he has started you will be surprised," Wenger told the Mirror[LNB]. "He has had lots of opportunities. At the moment it is difficult for everybody to score goals but I am convinced that if we keep working well as a team and playing well as a team that will come back quickly."[LNB]Meanwhile, Theo Walcott is said to be close to signing a deal that will keep him at Arsenal until 2014. The 19-year-old is just weeks away from making his return to the starting line up having been out of action since November after picking up a shoulder injury which required surgery. [LNB]Any new deal is likely to see Walcott's salary treble. [LNB]
