Niklas Bendtner has released an official statement telling the fans that he was close to an Arsenal exit on deadline day – but the deal was blocked as Arsenal could not complete a deal for a striker. Fresh Arsenal understands there was a deal in place to sign Demba Ba, only for Chelsea to back out at the last minute and instead, send Romelu Lukaku on loan to Everton. Niklas Bendtner released an official statement on September 3rd which reads:
It’s no secret that Arsenal and myself had agreed that I could leave the club during the 2013 summer transfer window subject to an agreement between all parties.
An agreement had been reached with more than one club this week but as Arsenal were unable to secure the services of another striker, they reserved their right to not sanction any deal to be concluded…Naturally, I was very disappointed as I was looking forward to a new challenge, with a new club and a fresh start in English football.Many things have been said about my where my future lies after many years at Arsenal; the truth is I just want to play football which is when I’m happiest and Arsenal is a fantsstic environment for any professional to apply their trade. I still feel very strongly about Arsenal Football Club and following positive talks with the Manager, I am looking forward to working hard to regain full fitness and doing my very best to help to the team and the Manager fulfil our objectives and ambitions this season.I’ve learnt a lot from my loan experiences at Sunderland and Juventus and I want to assure all Arsenal fans that I will give everything I have to contribute to what I believe will be a successful season for the club.
So Arsenal fans will have to live with Bendtner for another season. His contract runs out at the end of the season and with the World Cup coming up in the summer, the player knows he must keep his head down and work hard or risk losing his place in the Denmark World Cup squad – if they reach the finals.