The Arsenal and Germany international forward Lukas Podolski has made no secret of his frustration about his lack of playing opportunities, pretty much ever since he signed for the Gunners over two years ago. Arsene Wenger has ofvten brushed off the German’s complaints but it looks like the Frenchman now has to make a decision.
It did look as though Podolski had convinced the Arsenal boss of his worth to the team last season, after a long lay off with a hamstring injury had cut short his good start to the season. But then Podolski seems to have returned to north London after the World Cup winning exploits with Germany in Brazil and he is back to square one.
Whether that is a fitness, form or attitude issue is unclear, but there really is no point having a player in the squad that does not want to be there or one that you do not trust to do a good job if called upon. And Podolski could fit both of those descriptions if Wenger keeps him at the club after the January transfer window and does not use him.
It is very important to the 29-year old to continue his international career, so his appearance in their qualifier against Gibraltar will have helped. And hopefully Podolski will feature again when they face Spain in a friendly on Tuesday.
Then Wenger will have the perfect opportunity to build on that and get him firing for the Gunners. If not, we might as well cash in and either sign another striker or give young Joel Campbell more of a chance. What would you do about Podolski, Gooners, and what do you think Wenger will do?