German international, Lukas Podolski was a long-term target of Arsene Wenger and the Frenchman finally landed his man this past summer. However, the 27-year-old was expected to take the Premier League by storm this season, but has scored just 9 league goals in 27 appearances.
He has been substituted in each of his first sixteen games for the Gunners and has been left out of the side in recent weeks. In fact, he has not started a game in the last two months, only making the bench in the weekend’s 3-1 win over Norwich, although he did score the third goal in added time to seal the victory.
He has also been deployed on the left wing, with the player himself believing he can be more dangerous through the middle. According to Metro, this has caused a row between him and Wenger, which could culminate in his departure from north London.
The report states that Podolski is expecting to be sold off in the summer due to his bust-up with Wenger. He has also expressed frustration with a lack of game time in recent months, which has allegedly not gone down too well with his manager.
A source close to the German said, “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.”
Wenger has planned a summer clear-out, selling the “passengers” and bringing in more quality players. Initially Podolski was not expected to be sold but matters could be different come this summer with the player attracting attention from the likes of Anzhi, Atletico Madrid and Serie A Champions Juventus.
Podolski needs a guarantee of regular football in order to secure his place in the German side ahead of the 2014 World Cup and could venture abroad in search of such regular first-team action. With options limited at Arsenal currently, and with big money-signings expected in the summer, a move to the likes of Anzhi or Atletico Madrid could seem a like a good option for Podolski.