Next stop Southampton? Striker Nicklas Bendtner has been released by Arsenal (Picture: Reuters)

Southampton are being linked with a surprise move for Nicklas Bendtner after the Danish striker’s Arsenal career was brought to an end.

The 26-year-old had been with the Gunners since the age of 16 and made 171 appearances, but was dogged by disciplinary problems and was sent out on loan spells at Birmingham, Sunderland and Juventus.

Despite his unspectacular record in domestic football, at international level Bendtner has been more impressive, with 26 goals in 56 games for his country, including scoring at the 2010 World Cup.

Southampton are currently missing a main striker following Rickie Lambert’s sale to Liverpool and speculation is mounting that he could be new manager Ronald Koeman’s first signing.

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