Arsenal’s Arsene Wenger: Nicklas Bendtner can push Olivier Giroud
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says Nicklas Bendtner could start ahead of Olivier Giroud if he discovers his best form
Arsene Wenger says he will play Nicklas Bendtner ahead of in-form Olivier Giroud if the Arsenal manager feels the Dane merits a starting spot.
The 25-year-old is back at the Gunners after failing to secure a move away from Emirates Stadium following a year-long loan at Juventus last season.
Giroud, who joined from Montpellier in 2012, has scored four goals in four Premier League games this season and his Arsenal’s first-choice striker.
But Wenger insisted Bendtner is part of his plans and suggested the Denmark international could take Giroud’s place if he rediscovers his best form.
“Don’t forget we have Bendtner who is coming back,” Wenger told Arsenal’s website.
“It is a fantastic opportunity for him [Bendtner]. Honestly, he was supposed to go, but he stayed and once he stays you have to consider him as a full player of the squad.
“If he deserves to play in front of Giroud, he plays in front of Giroud. That is as simple as that.
“He lost his way a little bit, but he is not a bad boy. He is a good guy. He took the easy way a little bit but now he realises there are some [signals] in your career when players think that is the moment for them. He has got the message.”
