Arsenal target Lukas Podolski has virtually ruled out a move away from Cologne in January, according to reports.
The 26-year-old German, who has been linked with Lazio and AC Milan in recent times, wants to wait until the summer to make a decision on his future and, with Euro 2012 in mind, the in-demand striker is wary of forfeiting a guaranteed first-team place at Cologne for a new club at this time could hinder his chances on the international scene.
Arsene Wenger has previously insisted that he’s not interested in bringing in Podolski, but speculation continues to grow that the Frenchman wants the German as cover for Gervinho.
The former Lille winger will leave for the African Cup of Nations later this month and, after netting 14 goals in 16 Bundesliga games so far this season for Cologne, Podolski is seen by many as an ideal replacement for the Ivory Coast international.
Poldoski’s current deal at the German club expires in June 2013 and continues to delay talks over a new deal. However, the Polish-born striker insists it is not a tactic to force a move in January:
‘I have always said that I have not been dictated by the pressures of time when deciding my future.
‘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.’
Podolski’s agent, Kon Schramm, has also recently told The Guardian that a move for the German during the winter break is ‘all but impossible’.
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Who cares… the only reason people wanted him was because they thought they may be able to get him in january… when we desperatley need a striker now!
If we wait untill the summer, then who wants him?
I for one demand the club and wenger start investing OUR money into the squad and stop selling of our best players.
We need a striker who is as good as van perise… so spend the money and get him, don’t waste more of our time and money wasting it on players like podolski … get us world class !
And sell the dead wood and get us even more world class…. we have done well saving the pennies for the last years but enough is enough
wee need a striker, now. van persie cant do it all on his own podolski is a good player and has a very good left foot, if his agents saying stuff about “hes staying in germany because of the eruo and because of his family” BULLSHIT raise the weage GET PODOLSKI OR THAT ARGENTINAIN FORWARD