Does Marouane Chamakh at Arsenal Mean Nicklas Bendtner Will Struggle?

Arsenal secured their first signing of the summer, the much anticipated signing of Moroccan Marouane Chamakh from Bordeaux.

Arsene Wenger had been chasing the imposing forward for little over a year now, and after being criticised for the lack of depth in his front line, the Frenchman has begun his summer shopping.

Chamakh expressed great interest in signing with the North Londoners, and after failing to join last season, the 26-year-old is touted as a player who is capable of performing strongly in the Premier League.

The Moroccan international brings a great aerial threat, as Chamakh stands 188 cm tall. Apart from boasting sensational height, the former Bordeaux sharpshooter is tremendously quick and is blessed with an impressive work rate.

Due to his height and strength, many believe Chamakh will be at ease with the physicality and toughness of the English game.

The signing ensures Arsenal now have solid depth in their forward line. Injuries seriously dented the flow of the Arsenal forwards, with the likes of Robin van Persie and Nicklas Bendtner both succumbing to injury at various points during 2009/2010.

But now a fully fit Arsenal front line means van Persie, Bendtner, and Chamakh are all vying for the lone striker role that Arsenal play.

Naturally, leader and creator van Persie will be the first choice striker, but could the influx of Chamakh mean Bendtner struggles to receive playing time?

Many fans and critics alike do feel Dutch maestro van Persie is more suited to a left wing role. The Dutchman, who is such a vital part of the Arsenal squad, missed a heavy part of Arsenal's recent campaign due to injury. But fit, the 26-year-old is considered one of the deadliest strikers in the world.

But many feel his lack of strength and work ethic compared to Bendtner and Chamakh, along with his added creativity and skill, enable him to be better suited to the wing.

Whereas with Bendtner, a strong, solid target man, he is deadlier through the middle. The Denmark international proved he was a capable striker during '09-10 and is expected to progress further through the World Cup. 

Bendtner is coming into his stride and is still at a young age. Will the addition of Chamakh see that development halted?