Arsenal Forward Linked With Surprise £15m Move

Despite the transfer window being closed there is still plenty of gossip doing the rounds in the newspapers so we’ll keep you up-to-date with the latest transfer rumours. Today, Lukas Podolski is linked with a summer move.

Arsenal striker Lukas Podolski is being linked with a surprise move away from the club with Juventus and Atletico Madrid believed to be weighing up a £15m bid, according to the Daily Mail.

The German forward only moved to the Emirates last summer in a £10.9m deal from Cologne but the Mail report that he could be on the move after just 12 months with Italian champions Juventus understood to be front-runners for his signature.

Podolski arrived in north London with a big reputation having scored an impressive 43 goals in 94 caps for Germany prior to his move to Arsenal but he’s become something of an acquired taste amongst the Emirates faithful.

No doubt he’s a threat in the final third and can be lethal in front of goal, 13 goals and 10 assists in 29 starts tells us that, and its also an impressive return for a player who’s been played on the left instead of his preferred position through the middle.

However, he’s recently lost his first team place, starting the last three league games on the bench, and has been criticised for his lack of work-rate and tracking back which has lead to speculation he could be on the move at the end of the season with the Mail claiming Juventus are confident they can lure the 27-year-old to Serie A in a £15m deal.

I must admit I’m a fan of Podolski but feel he’s not been utilised to his full potential. His best position is as a central striker and it’s baffling why he hasn’t been given a chance up top considering our lack of options in that area. He’s the best finisher at the club and clearly doesn’t fancy the dirty work required to play on the wing, so why hasn’t Wenger given him any playing time through the middle?

It’s obvious the boss has some reservations about the player as he’s been substituted in practically every game he’s started. Even when he’s playing well the boss takes him off, so he must have concerns over his fitness.

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But even so, I’d be majorly surprised if we sell him this summer, despite what the Mail report says. He’s an asset who’s provided an excellent return in terms of goals and assists for his first season in the Premiership so hopefully he’ll push on next year and also starts to get some playing time through the middle.

What do Gooners think about Podolski’s contribution this season? Do you think he’ll leave in the summer? Get involved in the comments section below.