Podolski joined Inter Milan on a loan deal this week.
Arsenal made the decision to allow forward Lukas Podolski to move to Serie A giants Inter Milan on a loan deal this week, with the German international’s lack of first team football this season having led to his departure.
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Did Gunners supremo Arsene Wenger make the right decision to allow former Cologne striker Podolski to leave the club, however? Sky Sports have taken a look at the club’s top six goalscorers since the 2012/13 season to find out:
6) Alexis Sanchez (16 goals)
Despite only having joined the club from Barcelona this summer, Chilean winger Alexis Sanchez has already made it onto the list courtesy of his 16 goals for the Gunners so far. Sanchez’s performances for Arsenal this season have been glorious and he is likely to continue rising up this list over the coming months and years.
=4) Aaron Ramsey (24 goals)
Many of Aaron Ramsey’s goals during the three year period examined came during a hot run of form last season, that made him one of the most feared midfield players in the Premier League. The Welshman has not quite been as impressive this season, but his goalscoring record definitely shows why Arsenal need to keep faith.
=4) Santi Cazorla (24 goals)
Playmaker Santi Cazorla has quietly set about becoming one of Arsene Wenger’s most effective signings as Arsenal manager since he joined from Malaga – and has scored 24 goals during the last two and a half seasons. That includes a free kick in the FA Cup final against Hull City that proved to be absolutely crucial.
3) Theo Walcott (27 goals)
Walcott’s record is made all the more impressive by the fact that he has spent the best part of the last twelve months sidelined with a serious injury. If the former Southampton man is able to stay fit then he is capable of becoming a real hero at the Emirates Stadium.
2) Lukas Podolski (31 goals)
Despite rarely being first choice during his time at Arsenal, Podolski has actually managed to hit 31 goals for the club since the start of the 2012/13 season. This does beg the question – would the German have proven to be a really consistent source of goals if he had been given a regular opportunity by manager Arsene Wenger?
1) Olivier Giroud (45 goals)
Some way out in front at the top of the list is striker Olivier Giroud, who has generally been Arsene Wenger’s choice to lead the line during the period in question. Giroud’s record is still impressive, however, and indicates that the Frenchman is perhaps slightly underrated.