• Premier League

Arsenal target Podolski not keen on January move

ESPN staff
January 2, 2012
Lukas Podolski has been in impressive form for Cologne © PA Photos
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Lukas Podolski has ruled out a January move to Arsenal, claiming he would prefer to wait until the summer to make a decision on his future.

With Gervinho and Marouane Chamakh heading off on international duty at the African Cup of Nations, Wenger is set to bring in Gunners legend Thierry Henry back on a short-term loan deal, but the Gunners have been linked with a £10 million swoop for the Germany international.

Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker added fuel to the rumours by suggesting Podolski would be a resounding success at Emirates Stadium, but it appears Podolski, who has also been linked with Italian side Lazio, is happy to stay at Cologne.

With 14 goals in 16 Bundesliga matches this season, the Polish-born striker is in a rich vein of form and is not willing to sacrifice a place in the Germany squad for Euro 2012 by taking his career abroad.

"I have always said that I have not been dictated by the pressures of time when deciding my future," Podolski said. "I do not believe in lightning strikes, I must be clear. I believe that I will see everything in the summer.

"With Cologne, I hope to get as high as possible. I want to exceed the number of goals I scored last season. With the national team, I want to play in the European Championship in Poland, my homeland. We are among the favourites and our dream is to win the trophy. We cannot hide."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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