• Premier League

Wenger denies Podolski interest

ESPNsoccernet staff
December 16, 2011
Lukas Podolski is not on Arsenal's radar, according to Arsene Wenger © Getty Images
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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has rejected speculation that the club could be about to sign Germany international Lukas Podolski from Cologne.

The Gunners are in need of a back-up to first-choice striker Robin van Persie as Marouane Chamakh and Gervinho are absent in January as they attend the African Cup of Nations.

However, with Park Chu-Young the only recognised striker in the first-team squad, Wenger is not looking to bring anyone else in.

When asked whether he was chasing Podolski, Wenger replied: "No". When pressed on his January plans, he added: "I don't know yet. That was an honest answer."

Podolski, who could cost as much as £15 million, has 18 months left on his contract at Cologne and is ready to leave after the club's failure to challenge for Europe. But Wenger told a press conference that he was not in for the 26-year-old.

Meanwhile, South Korean captain Park maintains he is ready to take his chance whenever he can.

"All my team-mates are great players," Park told Arsenal Player. "I do not expect a chance for me because a player is unavailable. I will do my best to prepare myself to take any random chances at any time.

"I am new to this club and to the Premier League. I am trying hard to learn more and more. I don't worry about getting used to everything or anything. My team-mates are nice to me and I do not have any problems at all regarding training."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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