Arsenal: Arsene Wenger wants departing star to stay with the Gunners

Posted by

Arsene Wenger wanted Lukas Podolski to stay at Arsenal despite sanctioning his move away from the Emirates Stadium this summer.

SEE ALSO:
Arsenal’s superb XI with world class signings of Chelsea’s Petr Cech, Arturo Vidal & striker target
Arsenal chase signing of £7m-rated Lille star to solve problem position
Arsenal goal videos

The German striker’s agent Nassim Touihri, speaking to Bild, confirmed that the Gunners coach had hoped to keen the player at the Emirates Stadium, but couldn’t offer him reassurances about his place in the team.

“We had very good talks with Wenger,” the agent began, “he wanted to keep Lukas, but couldn’t give him a guarantee that he will be starter.”

The player’s representative then confirmed that Podolski is set for an exit from the Emirates Stadium: “that’s why we agreed on a transfer.”

The World Cup winner looks set to move to Galatasaray, with the Turkish giants understood to be offering the Germany international a four-year deal, according to the Daily Mail.

The left-footed 30-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at Inter Milan, but largely failed to ignite in the Italian top flight, bagging only one goal in 17 Serie A outings.

Podolski—who featured for Bayern Munich and Koln before moving to Arsenal in 2012—is unlikely to be happy with a backup role at this stage of his career, and looks set to swap the chance of another shot of Premier League glory in North London with the opportunity to be a major star in the Super Lig.

He may look back on his time at the Emirates Stadium with regret; despite winning the FA Cup in 2014, he managed only 19 goals in 60 EPL outings, and lost his place in the team following the arrival of Alexis Sanchez.

During his time in Germany, the forward won the Bundesliga and the German Cup in 2008.

More Stories Lukas podolski