Prince Poldi to Arsenal

Is he? Or. Isn’t he?

That seems to be the question on everyone’s mind right now as the speculation about Lukas Podolski and Arsenal reaches fever pitch.

Last week we reported that there were various reports in Germany and England that said rsenal and representatives of the Cologne and German National team forward had agreed to personal terms ahead of a move to the Gunners this summer. At that time there weren’t any reports that the clubs had agreed to any kind of deal.

On Wednesday Bild blew the lid off that. The German publication ran a story late in the day that said with a degree of certainty that Arsenal and Cologne had agree to a fee of 13 million Euros (£10.9 million pounds) to prise the forward free from the reluctant German side. If true this would be one of the earliest moves Arsenal have made in preparing for the summer transfer market. It would also signify a significant improvement in terms of scoring options up front.

What we do know for sure is this. Arsenal made original enquiries in the summer only to be rebuffed by the German club. The Gunners came back in January as speculation rose that Podolski was interested in leaving Cologne. He had expressed disappointment that the club were not challenging for honors and were a few points off the relegation zone.

When Arsenal came calling in January however they were not only rejected by the club but the player and his reps basically said he feared a move in January would work against his chances and form ahead of Euro 2012. It was reported that Cologne were looking for around £16 million and Arsenal bid around £8.

If the agreed upon fee is true (again assuming the whole story is true) then it would suggest that Cologne realize they cannot keep hold of the player beyond his contract expiry in 2013. So they’ve decided to get something for him now.

Podolski clearly wants to come to England. Recent comments from recuperating Per Mertesacker, seem to imply that Arsenal are his preferred choice. Mertesacker was recently interviewed in his native Germany and said he had received a slew of texts from his German international teammate about Arsenal, the club, the team etc. What Mertesacker said back hasn’t been reported but it is safe to assume that Per is a big Arsenal cheerleader.

The inability of Cologne to sign the player to a contract extension and Arsenal as a preferred destination seem to make the speculation a little more firmer than say rumours that have Eden Hazard coming to the Gunners. And if this turns out to be the case and Arsenal have gotten their man, then it is also a message to Robin Van Persie that they are serious when they say they are going to beef up the squad. Podolski would be serious beefing up.

Poldi can play anywhere up front. But he is often deployed out left for the German national team and as good as Gervinho can be, Podolski would be that much better. But if he were deployed up front he might allow Van Persie to slip into his natural 10 role and offer Arsenal a two headed attacking partnership they haven’t had in quite some time.

So what do you need to know about Lukas Josef Podolski? He started in playing at the age of six for the youth system at FC Bergheim where he stayed until 1995 when he joined Cologne. He made is senior squad debut in 2003 showcasing his talent in a season where his club were relegated to the second tier of German Football. That season he made history by scoring the most goals in Bundesliga history by a 18 year old (10 in 19 appearances).

In 2004 he was selected for the German National team even though he was playing in a lower division.  With that he drew interest from some bigger clubs but opted to stay at Cologne  in the fight for promotion to the 1st division of Germany football scoring 24 goals and becoming the leagues leading scorer. Cologne would eventually get promoted to the Bundesliga on the back of Podolski’s performances. .Though the following season they went back down again  That would ultimately lead to his departure in the summer of 2006.

That year with a season left on his contract he signed for Bayern Munich  His time at Bayern was stop and start and he failed to make the impact there that he had at Cologne. In 2009 when Munich brought in Luca Toni, the writing was on the wall. Falling down in the pecking order, he would go back to his beloved Cologne (with assurances from Joachim Low that the move wouldn’t jeopardize his place in the national team) on a new four year deal.

Podolski is a very versatile player with the ability to play across the front line. He is an excellent ball handler with speed and a rocket shot that makes him one of the most feared forwards in Europe. He’s a very durable player having only had two long-term injuries in his career (I hope I haven’t jinxed him). He isn’t the best header of the ball and while has has okay creativity its not a hallmark of his game.

If you have seen him play for Cologne you will know he is a ‘company man.’ Very loyal to his club and is fan favorite. He delights in playing the game. I liken his personality to Robin Van Persie. Their approach and demeanor are cut from the same cloth.

Poldi is having another one of his epic seasons scoring at will. In 20 Bundesliga games this year he has 16 goals. He is a consistent double-digit scorer for his club and would be a big boost to the Arsenal attack.

He wants to join Arsenal because he feels that he can progress his game under Arsene Wenger. More than any other manager there is hopes the frenchman can get from Poldi what has been gotten from Van Persie. If Wenger could do for Podolski what he has done for Van Persie Arsenal surely would have a two headed attack that they currently lack and was evidenced in the second half against Milan. Whether starting along side Robin van Persie or giving the prolific Dutchman a breather, Podolski wouild be a marked improvement over both Marouane Chamakh and Chu-Young Park.

Of course the cynics out there are going to say it’s a ploy to get people to sign up for season tickets. Or they will believe it when he’s holding up a shirt and spending a month on the training table. Of course, we won’t really know if this is a true story until the deal is announced.  But as a I mentioned earlier, this does have a ring of truth to it. The Gunners are in a run of good form, everyone is feeling good, especially a certain dutch striker. There is momentum and a feeling that the Champion’s League qualification is under their own control.  Why not send a signal of intent early to players and fans alike that the club is serious about improving the squad this summer?

It would also be a mark of good business. The fee whether it is the £10.9 million agreed upon or the £6 million that would be triggered if Cologne are relegated would mark a real deal for a player of Podolski’s talent.  It would also do what I think a lot of us hope for – getting good talent shrewdly. One of the things I admire about clubs like Napoli & Dortmund is that they are showing extended success on a shoestring budget and they are doing it not by buying superstars but by buying talented stars that aren’t necessarily big names but have become big names under their program.

I am hopeful that this transfer is true. I am hopeful for all the different things it would signal.

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