Arsene Wenger Renews Faith in Nicklas Bendtner, Rules Out January Signings

Arsene Wenger is a funny man.

The January transfer window is for teams who are afraid of losing out in Europe, are injury stricken or want to avoid relegation, or simply just want to wrap up their title challenge to successfully strengthen their "weak" or ailing squad. For Arsenal, the transfer window is to fend off bids from other teams. Which transfer window isn't for fending of potential Fabregas, Clichy, Sagna, and even Bendtner suitors?

Just before the transfer window opened, Fabregas made it clear that Arsenal, who are missing Robin Van Persie, are clearly lacking a top striker. 

Arshavin confessed the same after filling in the striker boots for two games and declared that it wasn't an easy job. He also said he doesn't mind playing as a striker, but does any team competing for the title have a 5'8" striker? I guess not.

Lots of names come to mind when the transfer window opens, especially for Arsene Wenger's Arsenal. Names like Chamakh have become synonymous with Arsenal, Gignac, Carlton Cole, Edin Dzeko, and even newly linked Loic Remy. Carlton Cole, who, in truth, has been linked with Arsenal, doesn't seem keen on the move and nothing has materialized from it.

As we are a little over a week from the close of the transfer window, Arsenal would be looking for a snag, a bargain. Many wouldn't be quick to forget the impact that Arshavin had at Arsenal after signing for the team for a record fee, reportedly £16m which has been repaid in full with so many intense showings.

Today, all rumors were cleared up by Wenger himself about who is coming in. He put faith in Bendtner and reassured the young striker (and the world watching) that he is confident that he can fill Van Persie's boots.

When Wenger was asked today about signing a striker that is physical, "Le Prof" replied, "I have just come in from a training session where Bendtner looked exactly like the guy you describe."

To be even more specific, his next statement freaked a lot of fans out: "At the moment we are not on the verge of signing anybody."

Finally Wenger concluded by saying he doubts Arsenal will sign a striker: "It is very difficult in January to find players who are available for the Champions League, who are just good enough to play for Arsenal and at the right price. You never know, but at the moment it is unlikely [that we will sign a striker]."

Let's get things straight now: Bendtner is nearing fitness, so Arsenal have a plus on the height advantage that the squad has been lacking. If he gets injured one more time, the low confidence duo of Walcott and Eduardo will have to step up, or Vela can be the hero. With Arsenal's new 4-3-3 system, I hardly see any of them even pushing Arsenal further to the title.

Arsene Wenger must see something we don't to pass an opportunity to strengthen his side, as he has called a lot of reporters and pundits alike out who doubt Arsenal's ability to challenge with their current squad. Arsenal currently sit atop the table with equal points and goal difference with Chelsea.

With all that said, Arsenal will be looking to rally till the finish with current resources.

The fixture list that lies ahead doesn't do Arsenal any justice. As we exit Britannia Stadium, it is a trip to Villa Park to face Aston Villa. Arsenal welcome Manchester United, then travel to Chelsea. Liverpool face Arsenal at home, then the UEFA Champions League resumes with a flight to Portugal to face F.C. Porto.

Fixture List

In order of next appearance,

Aston Villa	Arsenal
Arsenal	Manchester United
Chelsea	Arsenal
Arsenal	Liverpool
F.C   Porto	Arsenal

The only positive that can be drawn by looking at such high-octane, intense schedule is that Arsenal can win the Premier League (not mathematically, but psychologically) if they take as many points as possible from the congested back-to-back big four clashes.

In all, Arsenal really need to strengthen. Arsene Wenger needs to put his so-called youth policy on hold until May, when the titles are all up for grabs.

The interview can be found here at Arsenal.com