With German striker Lukas Podolski’s loan move to Internazionale finally confirmed, there could yet be more departures from Arsenal. Podolski has left for the Serie A till the end of the season, rumoured to have a £5m permanent option in the deal according to reports.
It is highly unlikely that any player will be sold in this window as Wenger looks to keep hold of his players as the season reaches its tail end with an injury stricken squad. However, fringe players – who are in Podolski’s situation – and are struggling to get into the Arsenal side, may well be loaned out.
Despite injuries and suspensions giving openings, a few players are still stuck on the edge and may have to find minutes on the pitch elsewhere for the time being.
Podolski’s fellow compatriot Serge Gnabry has recently returned to training having not played since October. He missed out completely on Sunday’s victory over Hull City, the game coming too soon to be match fit. With Walcott, Campbell, Alexis and Oxlade-Chamberlain all ahead of him in the pecking order as well as alternative options of Cazorla and Welbeck who can play out wide. Serge will struggle to get a look in. Potential loan deal on the cards and the talented German shouldn’t struggle to have suitors.
Sanogo has also been tipped for a loan exit. The French striker has only featured in five games this season. Bordeaux are believed to be interested but Wenger is holding out for a Premier League team in order for Sanogo to get the experience to boost his career and give him the tools of what a striker needs to make it in this league.
Francis Coquelin, whose loan deal at Charlton was cut short as a result of the injury crisis, has been impressive in the last few games and despite Arteta’s return drawing closer, his place at Arsenal should be secure at least till the summer. There’s also Joel Campbell, like Lukas hasn’t got as much minutes as he wanted. But having played on Sunday and now one less attacker to compete with for a starting spot, along with Danny Welbeck currently out, he may just have a bit of a breakthrough.
