The 21-year-old Denmark international was linked with a move to Roma after being spotted in the Italian capital.

However, those reports have been rejected out of hand by Bendtner's agent and father Thomas, who insisted the trip was just part of the player's summer vacation plans.

Bendtner scored 15 goals from a total of 50 appearances last season in all competitions, often coming from the bench as an impact player.

The striker - who had a productive spell on loan at Birmingham in 2006/2007 - accepts there were times where his form was "like a Sunday league player", but he grew in confidence as the campaign progressed.

Wenger has no intentions of letting any of his current squad leave, and the club are close to finalising a new contract for leading scorer Robin van Persie.

The Gunners have already bought £11million defender Thomas Vermaelen, and Wenger is said to be closing in on Bordeaux forward Marouane Chamakh.

Bendtner, though, remains very much central to Wenger's plans for the coming campaign.

"Nicklas has made big improvements since the start of the season. He has become an important player for this club," Wenger said in 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."

With his rearguard bolstered by the arrival of Belgian international Vermaelen, Wenger is now likely to turn his attentions to strengthening the midfield.

The Gunners boss is keen to add an experienced defensive anchor to the side, which would allow captain Cesc Fabregas more freedom in the final third and also help bring on the potential of Denilson and Alex Song.

Brazil midfielder Felipe Melo has admitted it is flattering to be linked with a club of Arsenal's stature and a £15million transfer to Emirates Stadium from Fiorentina could be pushed through following the Confederations Cup.

Udinese's Gokhan Inler is another midfielder on Wenger's radar, the Gunners manager having been considering a move this time last season.

Wenger, though, continues to talk of his squad's evolution, rather than it needing a major overhaul.

The Arsenal manager added: "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.

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