Extremely Disappointed Arsenal Forward Urged to Stage January Exit

Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner has been told to leave north London in the January transfer window.

The Danish striker has made seven appearances this season for the Gunners but has provided inadequate cover for Olivier Giroud with several indifferent displays, the latest coming in a cameo substitute appearance in defeat to Manchester United.

Bendtner, who spent last season on loan at Juventus, had attempted to force a way out of Arsenal in the summer but saw a late move to Crystal Palace fall through; leaving the 25 year old frustrated.

Such has been the poor nature of his albeit infrequent performances this term questions are being asked over Bendtner's role at Arsenal, and Denmark boss Moten Olsen says the forward must look for a way out in the New Year.

"Bendtner scored two great goals for us in the game against Italy, but there were also things he lacked in the match and this only comes through playing games," said Olsen.

"It is for this reason that he should find something new this winter, and so, we know that well. I think he will make the recommendation to himself and that is the main thing. Footballers want to play football.

"He has maybe 10 years left to go; he must use them well."

Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis has led the calls for Arsene Wenger to sign a striker in the January transfer window, with defender Laurent Koscielny warning Giroud is being overworked at the fulcrum of the club's attack.

Regardless of the club's success in the window, Bendtner's days appear to be numbered at the Emirates, and despite claiming he wouldn't lack motivation this season he says he was "disappointed" when a move out of north London was blocked.

"I got extremely disappointed when he (Wenger) called, because I was set to move on," said Bendtner, who last scored for Arsenal in April 2011.

"Actually I thought they didn't want to keep me. I had everything in place. There were three clubs who were just waiting that I would accept one of their offers.

"I have to fight double in every match and I have got to score, to prove that I should get the chance from the start next time.

"That is difficult since I have hardly played for a year due to injuries, and neither have I had a pre-season together with the others in the team."