Arsene Wenger has refused to rule out an exit for Lukas Podolski despite the likely loan move of centre forward Yaya Sanogo this winter with the former Cologne attacker desperate for more regular game time.
Inter Milan have been hotly tipped to secure the Germany international on loan until the end of the season, but Wenger dismissed their initial offer as ‘farcical’.
The Italian giants will likely return with an improved offer and the Gunners boss will consider it despite previously denying an exit for the 29-year-old this winter window.
Contrary to reports from the Mirror, Podolski missed yesterday’s 2-0 loss to Southampton through injury and not from storming out of training after being denied a transfer.
Wenger confirmed the groin problem and addressed questions from the media regarding Milan’s reported proposals for the player. Speaking after the New Years Day loss to Southampton, the Frenchman told reporters:
Podolski was injured today. He had a tight groin.
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[on the reported transfer to Inter Milan] The first proposal was farcical. After, when they come back a bit more seriously, then you will see what happens now.
Inevitable? In the transfer window that’s very difficult to say but we’ll see what happens.
He was not available but he had a big chance to start [against Southampton]
The Serie A transfer window opens on Monday the 5th leaving Podolski in north London until at least then. But with the German struggling with a groin injury it is likely he has already played his last game for the Gunners.
Wenger was asked whether Podolski will play against Hull City in the FA Cup tie this weekend.
He responded:
I will make a few changes, that’s for sure, but he has not practiced for a few days – since our game at West Ham because of a tight groin so I don’t think he will be available for Sunday.
Podolski’s exit is just about set in stone then. He was on the verge of an exit in the summer only for the injury to Olivier Giroud in late August leaving Wenger no choice but to block a move.
The German has been a strong influence in the dressing room and the fact that he’s one of the clubs highest earners and spends most of the time on the bench has become seemingly enough to push Wenger to off load him.
With Arsenal lacking a clinical edge against the Saints yesterday, Podolski could have been a useful asset and will continue to be throughout the season. We’re still fighting on three fronts this campaign and need every one of our squad players fit and available.
To me it seems madness to loan out Podolski who is the clubs best finisher especially with how crocked our team has become – reaching new heights in the injury department. He’s clearly a better option than Joel Campbell who is someone we’d be better off loaning out.
Do you agree Gooners? Share your thoughts below..
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