Bendtner and Eboue linked with moves away from Arsenal

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Atletico Madrid have failed with an audacious bid to sign Arsenal defender Emmanuel Eboue.

The 25-year-old Ivory Coast international's agent, Franjo Vranjkovic, was approached by the Spanish side, who then forwarded the offer to the Gunners.

However, Arsene Wenger was quick to turn down the bid and has even told Eboue he wants to offer him a new contract.

"We received an official request from Atletico Madrid which was passed to Arsenal," said Vranjkovic.

"I have the fax from director Ken Friar who wrote to me to say they are not interested in the offer.

"Then I received a call from Arsene Wenger, who invited me to go to England to start negotiations over a renewal. I see no possibility that the player will leave Arsenal."

Eboue started his career at ASEC Abidjan's famous youth academy, before using Belgian side Beveren as a springboard to secure a move to Arsenal in January 2005.

He has gone on to make more than 100 starts for the Gunners.

Meanwhile, Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner is reported to have turned down an approach from Bundesliga leaders Hoffenheim.

The 21-year-old Denmark international has struggled to hold down a regular starting spot with the Gunners and had been earmarked as a replacement for Hoffenheim's injured top scorer Vedad Ibisevic.

However, Bendtner's father and agent, Thomas, told the German media: "Hoffenheim have shown an interest. I know that.

"There are several clubs that call during the period when the transfer window is open.

"It's always like that and we are glad that there is interest for Nicklas, but a transfer is not going to happen at this stage. Nicklas will stay at Arsenal."

Bendtner junior has scored 17 goals in 68 appearances for the Gunners, with more than half of his outings coming as a substitute.