Arsene Wenger believes a fully focused Nicklas Bendtner can be an asset for Arsenal this season.

The Denmark international was close to a move away from the Club on transfer deadline day, with Crystal Palace favourites for his signature.

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But the 25-year-old is still part of Wenger’s squad, and the manager is confident he can fight for a first-team place.

“I had a chat with him because I blocked his move,” the manager said. “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.”