Wenger – Podolski Would Not Be Van Persie Replacement

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has been speaking at his weekly press conference today and much of the talk was centred around the potential signing of Lukas Podolski.

The Cologne striker has been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal, with Sky Sports News one of many media outlets claiming a deal has already been agreed to bring the German to the Emirates in the summer.

The Frenchman was as coy as ever during his press conference today but insisted that the media would be told when he signs a player but regardless who he brings in, they are not interested in selling striker Robin van Persie.

Quoted on ESPN, here is what Wenger said:

“When we sign any player, including Podolski, I will tell you our plans,”

“But our plan is to keep Robin van Persie even if we buy any player.”

Arsene was then pressed on whether a deal was agreed for Podolski, and predictably he denied that any deal was in place. But would you expect anything different in March?

Sky Sports are doing their best to make a drama of Wenger’s comments, but it’s highly unlikely he would disclose the finer details of a transfer before anything official can be announced. Anyway, for those who’re interested, here is what Sky Sports quote Arsene as saying:

“I have not a lot to say about that because if we sign a player we will inform you. At the moment we have not signed anybody. There is still no agreement.

“The distance to the agreement is not always linked with the signing.

“When you are very close you are quickly very far again, but Podolski is a good player, I wouldn’t deny that.”

For me, the simple fact Wenger is even discussing the player means that something is happening! He rarely speaks so much on potentials signings, so i think it’s safe to say we are working on the deal.