Arsenal’s neglected German striker set to complete initial loan deal to Serie A in the coming days after on going talks between with Inter Milan.
Since moving to Arsenal in the summer of 2012, Podolski has struggled to make his mark on English football and it would appear that limited first team opportunities in the first half of this season has finally convinced him to move on.
Inter officials have been in London negotiating with the Arsenal board and Arsene Wenger the past few days and a deal is likely to be struck between the 2 parties within the early days of the January transfer window.
Podolski’s last start for the Gunners came in a 4-1 win at Galatasaray. The German grabbing 2 quality goals in a performance of high class. Perhaps not being placed in the starting 11 since, after having such as good game, has seen him get the idea. It would appear he doesn’t appear in Wenger’s plans.
The Frenchman’s refusal to play down rumours of potential
move to the Italian capital has only given further wind to the story.
In recent time Olivier Giroud has been the main man up front at the Emirates and Welbeck has risen above Podolski in the pecking order since hi summer arrival. Even the young, rough diamond that is Yaya Sanogo has seemingly been a preferred option for Wenger to lead the line.
German national team manager, Joachim Loew, has informed Podolski that he must play if he is to keep his place in the world champions star-filled squad. The former Bayern Munich striker is happy in London though and reportedly wished to stay but understands the need for first-team football at his age, of which it is becoming clear he will not be getting at Arsenal.
This deal should be completed in the coming days with it understood that Arsenal would prefer an initial loan move with an option for a permanent deal being struck in the summer.