Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has spoken out in praise of Gunners centre-forward Nicklas Bendtner, a man who seems to provoke negative emotions amongst a significant section of the Emirates support.

His boss feels, however, that many of the player's critics do not appreciate his talent though, and also they perhaps forget that he is still very young.

"Nicklas has made big improvements since the start of [last] season. He has become an important player for this club," Wenger told the July edition of the official Arsenal magazine.

"When Nicklas is really switched on and focused, he is a handful for any defence in the world. He has shown that in the second part of the season. People forget how young he is, but I am sure he has won many people over in the second half of the season."

Despite the criticism, Bendtner still managed to net 15 goals in 50 games last campaign, and was linked with a move to Roma in the last few days - rumours rubbished by the player's father.

Wenger feels that, along with the Dane, his entire side is maturing, and will be much better prepared for the challenges of next season.
"We have done well since November in every competition last season. We just missed that final step, but I believe the team are getting that now as it becomes more mature," he explained.

"The team has matured tactically a lot over the season, and they are ready to challenge on all fronts next season."

Arsenal could be lining up a bid for Udinese player Gokhan Inler, as manager Arsene Wenger looks to add a touch more physicality to the centre of what has been regarded as something of a powder puff midfield in recent seasons.

The Swiss international, of Turkish descent, is on the Gunners' transfer radar this summer, according to reports in both The Daily Mirror and The Guardian.

Wenger has already signed Belgian defender Thomas Vermaelen from Dutch outfit Ajax, and now looks set to reinforce his central midfield, which has lacked a really commanding presence since the departure of Patrick Viera.

However, the French tactician acknowlegded that identifying targets is somewhat easier than actually buying them, when he told The Mirror, "I want to add to the squad and I have identified one or two targets. But identifying players and buying them are two different things.

"Ideally I would like to bring everybody in before we start back in pre-season training in July. I don't want to leave it until the end of August

Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas has admitted that he would fancy aplaying for Milan if his career ever took him to Italy.

This could sound like good news for the Rossoneri, who might end up losing veteran midfielder Andrea Pirlo to Chelsea if the latest transfer rumours are to be believed.

"If I had to come to Italy, Milan would be the team I would like to play with," declared the Spanish player to RAI. "You never know."

Two of his good friends and former Arsenal team-mates, Mathieu Flamini and Philippe Senderos, are already at the San Siro, though Senderos is only on loan to Milan from the Gunners.

Cesc's comments might not pave the way for his arrival in Milan, but are surely a positive sign for the club who have so far only received bad news from their negotiations with Porto's full-back Aly Cissokho and Wolfsburg's striker Edin Dzeko.

The 22-year-old player has been at Arsenal since 2003, and has made 231 competitive first team appearances for the club, scoring 29 goals. In the process he has earned the plaudits of opponents and critics alike for his excellent displays.