As the transfer season draws nearer, Arsenal are being linked to a host of big names ranging from Jovetic to Higuain. But there are also some players who are rumoured to be heading out of the Emirates. One such name is Lukas Podolski, who joined the club just last summer from Koln and has operated from the left flanks in his debut season. Podolski is said to have attracted interests from Seria A champions Juventus and it will be left to the Gunners to decide the German international’s future. But here we take a look as to why Arsenal should snub all offers that come in Podolski’s way and look to make him part of a future project.
Fitness issue
Podolski has often been criticised for lacking match fitness and not being a player capable enough to play full ninety minutes on the field. But one fact that cannot be overlooked is that Podolski, who is just 27 years of age, has already made 108 appearances for a side as strong as Germany and certainly can complete the full quota of the match. The amount of effort Podolski employs in each match is bound to take a toll on his body at the later stages of the game, but that does not always signify his capacity of not playing the full gametime.
Versatility
When he was brought in from Koln, he was expected to start in a striker’s role as much as on the left wing where Arsene Wenger preferred the German to employ. He was gradually shifted more to the left wing with Giroud being preferred as the lone forward. But in the left side of the attack he made sparkling runs and provided immaculate crosses. He was also equally accurate in the defensive sector dropping back quickly when Arsenal lost possession. When he was dropped from the team, Santi Cazorla was shifted to the left wing, but Cazorla is a central midfielder and was hardly as effective as the Podolski, thus highlighting his importance.
Experience
It is not often that a team gets a player who is all of 27 and has made more than 100 international caps and that is what makes Podolski’s role even more vital in the Arsenal team. The other person who can fill his slot is Alex Ox Chamberlain, but the 19 year old still requires a lot of time before he is ready to make it to the first eleven on a regular basis.
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