Frenchman says Dane can help the squad ‘win things’ this term.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger believes a fully fit Nicklas Bendtner can be an asset for the club this season.
Bentdner, 25, has spent the last two seasons on loan at Sunderland and then Juventus, and has not scored for the Gunners since March 2011.
The Denmark international was wanted by a host of clubs over the summer, including Crystal Palace, but remained in North London, claiming that Arsenal blocked his departure because they had failed to sign a replacement.
Wenger is facing a striker shortage after Yaya Sanogo returned from international duty with the France under-21s carrying a knock, leaving Olivier Giroud as the club’s only fit, senior forward.
Bendtner is currently in Denmark building up his fitness and Wenger has backed the forward to help the squad this term.
“I had a chat with him because I blocked his move,” Wenger told Arsenal.com.
“I wanted him to stay in the end because I felt that we were short up front, that Sanogo might need a few months to adapt.
“As well as that Nicklas Bendtner, with the right state of mind and the right focus, has the quality to help the squad to win things.
“He was honest. He is an honest guy. We want complete commitment and focus from him and he promised that. Nicklas Bendtner, with complete focus and commitment, will be a very strong player in our squad.”
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