Arsenal have handed a new
five-year deal to Danish starlet Nicklas Bendtner, according to
reports in his homeland.
The teenage striker has returned to North London after spending a
highly successful season on loan at Birmingham, and his reward for
his progress is a new contract with The Gunners.
Bendtner played a key role in Blues' promotion - scoring 17 goals
in the Championship - and Wenger has confirmed that the striker
will form part of his first team plans for next season.
"Nicklas can now relax and concentrate on his play and
development," Bendtner's father and agent Thomas told TV2. " The
future will be with Arsenal.
"They have clearly indicated that they consider Nicklas as a first
team player and that he will not be loaned out again.
"There have been many clubs who have been interested, but Arsenal
is the right choice."
Bendtner has also earned international honours this season and will
now be looking to dislodge Emmanuel Adebayor or Robin van Persie
for a place alongside club captain Thierry Henry next season.
Of the three Gunners youngsters that moved to St Andrews at the
start of the season, Bendtner is the only one to return to Arsenal
after Birmingham tied up permanent deals for Sebastian Larsson and
Fabrice Muamba.