Arsenal FC: Why Lukas Podolski Would Be a Magnificent Signing for the Gunners

The signing of FC Köln striker Lukas Podolski has been strongly reported for several months and it is widely believed he will be announced as an Arsenal player before the season reaches its close. German newspaper Bild corroborates with British newspapers (Daily Mail being one) in believing Podolski will sign a four-year deal subject to Arsenal agreeing to terms with Köln.

Should the Germany international striker make the switch to the Emirates, it would signal a change in Wenger’s policy of buying young, uncultivated talent, to a more pragmatic approach with regards to winning trophies with a strong competitive squad.

The striker has endured a mixed career thus far and would be eager to make an impact on the Premier League. Growing up in the North-Westphalia, after emigrating from Poland, Podolski made an impression in the FC Köln team by scoring 10 goals in his first 19 appearances. This became the best ratio of an 18-year-old in Bundesliga history.

When Köln were relegated to tier two, Podolski stayed to push them back into the Bundesliga again. He scored 24 goals and became the club's talisman and was expected to single-handedly keep the Billy Goats in the top tier for a second consecutive season. After he only managed scoring just 12 goals, Köln were relegated, prompting his transfer to Bayern Munich where his career took an abrupt nosedive.

The 2006 World Cup sparked his big-money transfer to the Bavarian side, after “Poldi” scored three stunning goals to help Germany finish third. His successful partnership with Miroslav Klose, who played for Bayern in 2006, no doubt persuaded Podolski’s decision to join the German champions.  

Injuries and disputes with coaches took its toll on Podolski’s time at Bayern, after only being able to muster 15 goals in over 70 appearances, which subsequently led to his sale back to boyhood club Köln.

There was more disappointment for Podolski and Köln as the German only managed three goals in his first season back, sparking widespread belief he would never be the same player again.

The 2010-11 season was far more promising where he scored 13 league goals and provided seven assists, showing glimpses of his former self. It hasn’t been until the current campaign where Podolski has, despite Köln in yet another relegation fight, been in the form of his life, scoring 17 goals in all competitions thus far.

Aspects which Wenger would most likely admire the most are his versatility to play off a main striker, play on the wing and be the central striker, all of which he has played for his country. His ability to score fierce long shots, free kicks and play eye-of-a-needle passes would be a potent addition to Robin van Persie’s game.

Moreover, Podolski will be a player with a point to prove. He showed he didn’t have what it takes to become the best at an ambitious club like Bayern Munich, which will no doubt frustrate the striker. His eagerness to prove he can be one of the best, his desire to win trophies and prove his critics wrong will only play in Arsenal’s favour.

In Podolski, Arsenal may have finally found a striker partnership that could be seen worthy to rival the Henry/Bergkamp partnership. Exciting times are surely ahead.