Bendtner could be on his way out of Arsenal

Danish star could be on his way out after being left out of the north London derby...

According to the Daily Mirror, Niklas Bendtner could be on his way out of Arsenal during the transfer window with Bayern Munich looking his most likely destination.

Rumours of Bendtner's exit have been going on for a while now but Arsene Wenger's decision to leave him out of Arsenal's squad to face Spurs, having already left him out of their trip to Goodison Park last Sunday, have added fuel to the fire. At first there were suggestions that the Danish international was left out due to injury, which would be backed up by the fact he missed Denmark's match in midweek, but the player's father Thomas has insisted there's no truth in that theory.

"There is nothing wrong with Nicklas, he is 100 percent ready to play that match."

The likely explanation is that Wenger is punishing Bendtner for his public outburst last week in which he complained about not getting enough opportunities in the first team, despite only recently coming back from injury. But despite being left out of the Gunners' last two matches, the Arsenal boss has suggested he will return to the team for their midweek trip to Portugal in the Champions League.

"I believe that he will not be involved on Saturday but he will play on Tuesday in Braga certainly. I rotate the squad and I decide sometimes the players I want to get into the squad for the next game, it's better that they practice rather than sitting on the bench doing nothing especially when they're coming back from injuries."

There are good reasons to think Bendtner could indeed leave the club during the transfer window, though.

For starters Arsene Wenger has employed a 4-3-3 formation in virtually every match this season with just the one spot available for an out-and-out-striker as part of the front three. Marouane Chamakh has impressed so far, leading the lie and scoring goals, whilst the fit-again Robin Van Persie could also play in that position with any two from Andryi Arshavin, Samir Nasri, Tomas Rosicky and Theo Walcott playing alongside the target man. Wenger's insistence on playing this formation would seriously limit Bendtner's chances as he's below Chamkah and RVP in the pecking order.

Furthermore, Bendtner has a reputation for being a bit of a trouble-maker in an otherwise settled and happy dressing room and the gaffer may decide he's had enough of the Dane's inflated ego.

If he were to leave, Bayern Munich would indeed be favourites to sign him. Last year's champions have been struggling badly in the league and only Mario Gomez has been in good goalscoring form. Miroslav Klose and Thomas Muller have looked jaded after their World Cup efforts whilst Ivica Olic has only played in four matches. Bendtner's signing would provide extra competition amongst the strikers and give coach Louis Van Gall another valuable option.

Published: 20 Nov 2010

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