• Premier League

Wenger: Podolski is staying with us

ESPN staff
August 26, 2014
Lukas Podolski had been linked with a move to Serie A champions Juventus © Getty Images
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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger appears to have ruled out the sale of Lukas Podolski, despite interest in the forward from Juventus.

Podolski's future at the Emirates stadium appeared to be in doubt after he was left out of the squad that travelled to Everton on Saturday, with Serie A champions Juventus reportedly ready to offer £10m for the World Cup-winner.

But a long-term injury to fellow striker Olivier Giroud has left Wenger short on attacking options, with the manager using a news conference ahead of Arsenal's Champions League qualifier against Besiktas to suggest Podolski would stay at Arsenal this summer.

"Podolski is in the squad tomorrow and will stay with us," Wenger said.

Podolski trained with his Arsenal team-mates ahead of tomorrow's crucial second-leg against Besiktas, which is finely poised after the first-leg produced a cagey goalless draw.

The German completed 90 minutes in the Premier League for Arsenal just five times last season and has admitted Wenger's repeated decisions to substitute him were a source of annoyance.

"Of course you cannot be happy when you always go out after 60, 70 minutes. Of course I am not happy always to be substituted," Podolski revealed last April. "It's the decision of the boss. It's not always easy when you play for a big club but of course I am not happy to always come out and watch from outside. You cannot be happy with this situation."

Podolski, who was an unused substitute as Germany defeated Argentina in last month's World Cup final, scored 12 goals in 27 games for Arsenal last season.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd
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