Arsenal, United and Barca target Dortmund striker

By Dave Smith

Arsenal, Manchester United and Barcelona have talked to Mohamed’s agent

One of the stars of the African Cup of Nations, Mohammed Zidan, has suddenly appeared on the radar of some of Europe’s biggest clubs.

That’s not paper talk; that’s not idle gossip down the pub or even an agent hoping to cash in and sell his man to the highest bidder.

No, the revelation that the Borussia Dortmund forward is being eyed up by Europe’s finest comes from a lot closer to home…Zidan’s dad.

“Arsenal, Manchester United and Barcelona have talked to Mohamed’s agent,” Zidan senior nonchalantly revealed to Dream TV.

There’s been nothing more official than that, but you could understand the interest of United and Arsenal given their respective needs to bolster their attacking options.

The Gunners have had to do without Robin Van Persie for some time, whilst United can’t rely on Wayne Rooney forever. So watch this space.

Still with Arsenal and their striking dilemma, Nicklas Bendtner is close to a first team return after a lengthy lay-off.

The striker is pushing for a place in the side, and it would be a welcome break for the Dane who has not been the best of patients by the sound of things.

“When people have been out with long-term injuries, they say it was hell. I can understand that now,” said Bendtner. “It is difficult to motivate yourself because you come in to training each day doing the same things.

“But you stay motivated by telling yourself that one day soon you will be better. When you come back, you know you are going to be strong.”

Bendtner, who has been sidelined for four months, added: “When I get back to full strength, I’ll be able to make a major impact. We have different types of striker who can do different things, and I think the team has missed a type like me.”