‘Frustrated’ Podolski Heading For Arsenal Exit?

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, could Lukas Podolski be leaving Arsenal?

Arsenal forward Lukas Podolski is frustrated by his lack of playing time and is concerned boss Arsene Wenger may try and sell him this summer, according to the Sun.

The German international arrived at the Emirates last summer from Cologne and has settled into life in the Premier League well, scoring 13 times and providing 9 assists so far this season.

However, he’s recently seen himself frozen out of the first team and hasn’t started a game in over 2 months. An apparent ‘source’ has told the Sun newspaper that while the 27-year-old is happy at Arsenal and living in London, he’s becoming increasingly frustrated at his bit-part role at the club and fears the boss may have a problem with him that could lead to his exit.

“Lukas is very happy at Arsenal, he loves the fans and enjoys living in London but he is increasingly worried that Wenger may have a problem with him.

“He is frustrated at not playing for such a long time. He is an experienced player and he wants to play football.” A source is quoted as saying in the Sun

The newspaper also claims that Podolski is worried that Wenger may force him out the club this summer, with Juventus, Atletico Madrid, Anzhi Makhachkala and Galatasaray all understood to be interested.

I must admit Podolski’s lack of playing time in recent weeks has been a surprise and it seems Wenger isn’t convinced by him for some reason. The fact he was substituted in all of his first 16 games and didn’t complete a full 90 minutes until late November tells us something isn’t quite right.

Some fans have questioned his fitness and work rate and suggest he isn’t cut out for playing on the left wing, and I’d agree with that to a certain extent. I’d love to see him given more opportunity to play through the middle as he’s a lethal finisher, but it seems Arsene isn’t convinced he can play that role either.

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The main problem is that Arsenal are playing well and winning football matches lately, and the longer that continues the less chance there is that Wenger will change his starting eleven. The likes of Gervinho and Rosicky has fully warranted their places in the team lately, so it might just be a case of Lukas having to bide his time and wait for his chance, but I’d hate to see him leave after just one season and I personally think he’ll still be at the club next year.

What do you think of Podolski’s lack of playing time recently? Leave your opinions in the comments section below.