Arsenal midfielder Denilson and frontman Nicklas Bendtner have both put pen to paper and signed new lucrative long term contracts with the North London club.
Both players aged only 21, have been regulars in Arsene Wenger’s first team so far this season and have aided the Gunners in their impressive start to the Premier League where the side has scored 12 goals in only 3 competitive matches.
Bendtner made 50 appearances for Arsenal last season chalking up 15 goals in the process and it is now believed that following the departure of Emmanuel Adebayor to Manchester City, the Danish international will be feature increasingly in Wenger’s attacking plans.
The striker seemed thrilled with the new deal and emphasised his commitment to the club.
“It means a lot that I can commit my future to Arsenal because I have a great affection for this club,” he said.
“I’ve been here for five years now, and my development both on and off the pitch as a player and person is thanks to Arsene Wenger and the team here.”
“We’ve got a group of players that is capable of achieving great success, and I am really excited to be a part of it.”
It has since been reported by his father and agent, Thomas Bendtner, that interest was high to try and clinch the services of the 6ft 3in attacker and that some of ‘the biggest clubs in the world’ were involved.
Brazillian midfielder Denilson also signed a similar long term deal. The former Sao Paulo player made more first team starts than any other Arsenal player last season and has so far indicated his intent of being a regular first team player with a great long range goal at Everton on the opening day of the season. He is continually partnered up alongside captain Cesc Fabregas in midfield, with Alex Song playing a strong defensive holding role.
Gaffer Arsene Wenger has always championed his youthful side and the Frenchman obviously believes Denilson has an extremely important role in the gradually maturing Gunners.
“Denilson’s contribution to the club last season was outstanding,” he said.
“His work rate really was exceptional and it is valuable to have players that we know will perform to the very last minute in such a demanding league.”
Gregg Hobbs, FootballNewsBlog.co.uk
