Despite Lukas Podolski’s very obvious consternations at Arsenal, an adamant
Arsene Wenger has dismissed any talks of a transfer for the German forward this
winter.
Following Germany’s win against
Gibraltar, Podolski had made plain his dismay at having to repeatedly warm the
bench and in excerpts of an interview carried in the Goal, Wenger replied, “He
[Podolski] plays a position where there is a big competition. He came very late
from his holidays [in the summer]. He started after his team-mates and was not
good physically. It’s not established at all that he will leave at Christmas.
It was me who sets the price and it [Podolski’s reported valuation] doesn’t
correspond at all to his price. He is not for sale and there is no offer.
Today's newspapers have an advantage. They know more than us. But the story is
completely fabricated.”
Such strong words
from the usually reticent Wenger will give Podolski hope that his job at
Arsenal isn’t done yet and he may still leave his mark in the second half of
the season. The 29 year old has played just 46 minutes in the Premier League
this season and is yet to start a match. In the 69 games he has played for the
Gunners in his first two seasons, the German has given a decent return of 28
goals. However with Alexis Sanchez on song, it will be difficult for Podolski
to find his feet in this Arsenal team once again.
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