Whilst Lukas Podolski has faced his fair share of criticism this season, it’s difficult to argue that he’s had a bad first year in Arsenal colours.
But he does cut a rather enigmatic figure: one game he’ll score a ferocious volley, the next he’ll be invisible. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen a player blow so hot and cold at the Emirates.
There, have of course, been issues. There’s clearly something wrong with his fitness. Arsene Wenger has either played Podolski as a substitute or hooked him off around the 65th minute.
This, naturally, has got fans asking questions. Does the German forward have an injury? Something that has meant he has been unable to see out full games and reach peak form?
If that’s the case, perhaps this season wasn’t so bad. If he can score 16 goals whilst injured, during his first season in England, having been thrust out onto the left-wing, I’d like to see what he can do when the circumstances suit him better.
But this may never happen. Not with Arsenal at least. The 27-year-old recently found himself subject to a lot of speculation regarding a potential summer bid from Serie A champions Juventus.
The Press managed to ask Podolski about the rumours and his response was both coy and flirtatious at the same time: “There are always offers, I don’t have any influence on that. But, the fact is, I have a contract with Arsenal. There’s no reason to leave the club. However, in the football-business a lot of things are conceivable.” (Source: Goal.com)
Yes, it’s conceivable that Podolski could move to Juventus this summer, but would it be smart? I don’t think so.
Let’s not forget, Podolski only signed for the Gunners last summer. His contract with the North London club runs until June 2016. For once, Arsene Wenger is in a position of power when it comes to the transfer market.
Why would Wenger look to sell a player who has only shown a fraction of what he can do this season? A player who could really kick on next season and start dishing up the goods on a regular basis? Why would Wenger sell his best finisher?
It just wouldn’t make sense. But consider this: why would Podolski want to move again after only a year? Surely after a failed move to Bayern Munich a few years back, he’ll be desperate to prove himself at another big club?
Moving on would represent tacit agreement that he has failed. And that would be a huge disappointment for both Poldi and for Arsenal. So here’s hoping he sticks around for at least another season.
What’s your take? Should the Gunners cash-in on their enigmatic German?
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Another striker linked to Juve, add Llorente, Jovetic, Higuain and their current 3 strikers, and Juve will be playing 4-6, next season. 4 defenders and 6 strikers. Blood bonkers, definitely transfer season is the new silly season.
Wtf… More jokes… it started off with which top players should we be trying to buy… which got boringly disappointing.. so now we are invited to talke about should we sell podolski lool.
Stupid article Podolski is going no where
sometimes i do wish we bought reus instead of podolski cause poldi really don´t know how to beat a man and he plays in a league where you are hardly giving a chance to shoot….i will say wenger should see if he can still get reus cause he´s the real deal(i personally rate him more than goetze)
Desperate, desperate article. Right after Poldi, himself, has said he isn’t even thinking about leaving. Why should we think about “cashing in” on him?