'New Nicklas Bendtner' Andreas Cornelius is Arsenal transfer target

Posted Saturday, November 24, 2012 by Metro.co.uk

Arsenal are ready to battle AC Milan for teenage FC Copenhagen striker Andreas Cornelius who, worryingly for fans, is dubbed 'the new Nicklas Bendtner'.

'New Nicklas Bendtner' Andreas Cornelius is Arsenal transfer target
Target man: Powerful Copenhagen striker Andreas Cornelius

The 19-year-old centre forward, who has already scooped two caps for Denmark, has established himself as a regular in the Copenhagen team, scoring 10 goals in 19 appearances.

It’s a rapid rise that has not gone unnoticed across Europe, with AC Milan sending scouts to monitor his progress on three separate occasions in the last few months.

Indeed, Milan are said to be so impressed with Cornelius, that they have already decided to lodge a £3million bid when the January transfer opens.

But the Serie A outfit will have a fight on their hands to land the player, with Arsenal also joining the chase after a tip-off from their Scandinavian scout Bobby Bennett.

Bennett is credited with finding and negotiating the deal for Nicklas Bendtner in 2004, but is said to rate Cornelius even higher.

At 6'4" and with excellent technique, the comparisons with Bendtner are clear, but Cornelius is recognised as more of a target man – known for his prowess in the air.

It’s thought Copenhagen were unwilling to part with the player in January, but may consider selling now if they have an option to keep the player on loan until the end of the season.