Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner could be on his way to Malaga with the Spanish club reportedly willing to complete a swap deal that will see captain Jesus Gamez make the move to the Emirates, according to reports in Daily Mail.
Reports are suggesting that Bendtner is on the cusp of a transfer to southern Spain, however it is thought that Arsenal only initiated the talks in order to lure Malaga captain Jesus Gamez.
Bendtner has spent the past two seasons on loan at Sunderland and Juventus, not scoring a single goal during his time with the Serie A champions last season. The misfiring Denmark international had appeared to be on the verge of moving to Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt earlier this month, only for the 25-year-old’s proposed transfer to collapse over the striker’s excessive wage demands.
However, it now looks as though Bendtner is set to join mega-rich Malaga next season, with the Dane reportedly in talks with the La Liga club, and as part of any possible deal for the Dane, Malaga are understood to be willing to offer the north London club defender Jesus Gamez in part exchange.
If Malaga consent to including Gamez in the transfer, Arsenal will continue to pay half of Bendtner’s wages in an effort to make the move financially viable for Malaga. The Gunners are ready to offer £1.5m and the Denmark international for Gamez.
The 28-year-old right back has been with Malaga for his whole career, making his debut for the club eight years ago and since then the Spaniard has featured in 238 matches, scoring just the one goal in the process.
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Gamez joined the Malaga aged just 15. He made his debut at 20 and has been a fixture at right-back ever since. In 2011, Gamez became Malaga captain and formed part of a successful defense that also included current Gunner Nacho Monreal. His game is based on intelligent positional play and tenacious tackling. He is solid t the back.
While he is a willing and able crosser of the ball, defending is his priority. This would provide further competition for Bacary Sagna and Carl Jenkinson. The move makes sense as Arsenal may soon be in need of a right-back. Bacary Sagna has just a year remaining on his contract, and there is no suggestion that a new deal is imminent. Furthermore, Sagna has spent much of the preseason playing centre-back.
Gamez might not be the marquee signing Arsenal fans are waiting for but he might help them feel more secure, but they will be happy to see Bendtner go. Bendtner didn’t have a great career at Arsenal and with his career apparently stalling out here, he can use the change of scenery and a club that is willing to back him. There is still the matter of Bendtner’s wages. If there is going to be a hold-up in this deal, it is likely to be with regard to his wages.
Even though Jesus Gamez is a good addition but the fans would have welcomed a more experienced Premier league player in the form of Ashley Williams. Arsenal were earlier interested in Ashley Williams but were back tracked by his price. Should Arsenal go back for Ashley Williams?
What do you say Gooners?
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