The FC Koln manager insists that the striker’s decision should be viewed with respect whether he chooses to join Arsenal or stays in http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Germany-c2904.
Stale Solbakken has confirmed that http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Arsenal-c38429 at the end of this season.
The striker has been heavily linked with a move to the London giants at the end of the season with reports suggesting that a deal has already been agreed. The Emirates outfit were also eager to sign him during this year’s January
transfer window but failed to complete the move.
However, Arsenal bosses are keen to provide a helping hand to their in-form striker, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Robin-van-Persie-c31380, who currently plays the lone striker’s role for his side. Solbakken mentioned that it is up to Podolski to decide about his
future and the club will support his decision.
On the other hand, the manager declined any confirmed negotiations between the two parties. He stated that nothing has finalized and denied reports that the player has agreed terms with the London side. While talking to SID, the
44-year-old tactician further added:
"Lukas' decision is important for us all, but also for him. We must respect this. I know a little more than you. I know a lot, but for me it is important that he has everything under control and can concentrate on the upcoming
games.”
The manager insisted that Podolski will play a major role in helping his side avoid relegation and finish at least in the top-half of the table. He also appreciated the striker’s ominous display this season which has seen him scoring
15 league goals from 18 appearances until now.
"Podolski is a Koln player at the moment and we know that he will be here until the end of the season. Then we will have to see what happens," Solbakken concluded.
Podolski is currently valued at 20 million Euros but this transfer fee is negotiable with only one-year remaining on the striker’s contract. The Gunners have already agreed to invest 16 million Euros for the German which might
prompt Koln to sell their prized asset during the summer transfer window.
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