Bendtner rejects Hoffenheim

Gunners striker rejects Bundesliga leaders approach

By Richard Torgerson   Last updated: 22nd January 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Bendtner rejects Hoffenheim

Bendtner: Rejects Hoffenheim approach

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Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner has turned down the chance to join German side Hoffenheim according to his agent and father Thomas Bendtner.

Hoffenheim manager Ralf Rangnick admitted that he had held talks with Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger but refused to name the players concerned.

However Thomas Bendtner has confirmed the surprise Bundesliga leaders' interest in his son.

Despite the 21-year-old reportedly growing frustrated at his lack of starts at the Emirates, Bendtner senior added that his son would be staying with the Gunners.

"Hoffenheim have shown an interest. I know that," Thomas Bendtner told the German media.

Interest

"There are several clubs that call during the period when the transfer window is open.

"It's always like that and we are glad that there is interest for Nicklas, but a transfer is not going to happen at this stage. Nicklas will stay at Arsenal."

Rangnick's need for a new striker is urgent after the recent news that two of his star forwards are set to spend long periods on the sidelines.

Striker Vedad Ibisevic has been a sensation in the first half of the campaign, scoring 18 goals in 17 league games, but has now been ruled out for the season with cruciate ligament damage.

Fellow forward Chinedu Obasi will also be missing when the league resumes from its winter break with the Nigerian international struggling with a persistent thigh injury.