Arsenal get pair to put pen to paper on deals
Arsenal have continued to put their faith in youth by handing 21-year-olds Nicklas Bendtner and Denilson new long-term deals.
The Gunners - who added only Belgian defender Thomas Vermaelen to the squad over the summer, but sold Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Adebayor to Manchester City - have impressed during the opening games of the new campaign, the only loss a narrow 2-1 defeat at Old Trafford.
Manager Arsene Wenger has long championed the potential of his young side, and today's announcement follows agreements to secure the long-term future of Theo Walcott and Robin van Persie as well as fellow youngsters Aaron Ramsey, Jack Wilshere and Kieran Gibbs.
Following the departure of Adebayor, Bendtner has looked to cement himself in Wenger's attacking plans.
"Nicklas has impressed me highly with his application and determination over the last season, you can see that he wants to compete at the highest level and win things with his team-mates," Wenger told the club's website, arsenal.com.
"He scored a number of important goals for us last season and he will look to replicate that again this year.
"However, it's not just about the goals, his all round contribution has improved and will continue to do so.
"I am very pleased that he will be part of the team for years to come."
Bendtner chalked up some 50 appearances in all competitions last season, scoring 15 goals.
The 6ft 3ins frontman is determined to continue his progression.
"It means a lot that I can commit my future to Arsenal because I have a great affection for this club," he said.
"I've been here for five years now, and my development both on and off the pitch as a player and person is thanks to Arsene Wenger and the team here.
"We've got a group of players that is capable of achieving great success, and I am really excited to be a part of it."
