Out-of-favour Arsenal forward Nicklas Bendtner has joined Serie A champions Juventus on a season-long loan, Sky Sports understands.
The Turin giants have the option to make the deal permanent following the 2012-13 season.
Bendtner, who rejected interest from A.C. Siena prior to completing his move to Juve, spent last season on loan at Sunderland after falling out of Arsene Wenger’s pecking order at Arsenal.
According to Siena sports director Stefano Antonelli, Bendtner was on the verge of completing his move to the Stadio Artemio Franchi.
“It was almost an impossible deal,” Antonelli told Sky Sports Italia. “We had an agreement for all, both with the player and Arsenal.
“But when the player understood of Juventus’ interest, he phoned us to say he was going there. He always acted correctly.”
The Denmark international bagged eight goals and five assists in 28 league appearances (25 starts) for the Black Cats last term, while netting five times in nine international caps for Denmark.
Since joining the Gunners from FC Copenhagen in the summer of 2004, the Danish striker has bagged 43 goals in 156 appearances.
With that said, do not expect Bendtner to make his 157th appearance for the Gunners, ever.
“I can now finally say I am a Juventus player. Very proud and can’t wait to wear the stripes,” Bendtner said via Twitter.
“I hope we will have great times together. I want to fulfil my potential here and show the fans my absolute best as that is yet to come. I am sure I will.”
Maicon joins Man City
English Premier League title holders Manchester City have confirmed the signing of Brazilian right-back Maicon from Inter Milan, Sky Sports reports.
The 31-year-old Brazilian will compete with fellow South American Pablo Zabaleta and City vice-captain Micah Richards for a place in Roberto Mancini’s starting XI.
In other news, City have also completed the signing of Swansea City winger Scott Sinclair, formerly of Chelsea FC, for an undisclosed fee, according to ESPN FC.
Sinclair found the back of the net is his only appearance for Swansea this season after coming on as a substitute in the Swans’ 5-0 opening day rout of Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road.
Now then, Roberto Mancini is also eyeing Benfica defensive midfielder Javi Garcia and Fiorentina centre-back Matija Nastasic.
Garcia, a product of Real Madrid’s youth system, is reportedly valued at £24 million by the Portuguese giants, while Nastasic, who has been dubbed ‘The Next Nemanja Vidić’, will cost the Premier League champions £9 million, with Serbian defender Stefan Savic heading to Fiorentina in the rumoured deal.
That’s all for now.
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