Arsenal Transfer News: Lukas Podolski Smart to Continue Career with the Gunners

Lukas Podolski remains committed to Arsenal despite receiving several enquiries from interested clubs during the summer, and the German international made the right choice sticking with the Gunners.

In an interview with Kicker magazine (h/t to Goal), the forward conceded new signing Danny Welbeck will likely make the club's starting XI before him, but that he would fight for his place:

"

Initially, it's a difficult situation for me.

When you buy new players for a lot of money, they have an advantage because they will play.

But we've got a long season ahead of us and we'll see what happens. When I am in top shape, I am a perfect fit for the Arsenal team and I see myself in the first XI. That's what I work towards.

I am not sure [but] I hope that that's the case.

"

Podolski is saying exactly what the fans will want to hear, displaying the right attitude when faced with adversity. Of course Welbeck will initially start, but with enough hard work and dedication, Podolski will get his chances.

Things could have been so much easier. As reported by Sky Sports' Thomas Zocher, the World Cup hero confirmed to German newspaper BILD that several clubs showed an interest in his services, both from the Bundesliga and other leagues, but an actual offer never materialised.

It likely never happened because Podolski didn't explicitly ask for a transfer. Despite a lack of consistent starts (only 14 in the Premier League last season, per WhoScored.com), he never once drew attention to himself by complaining to the press.

Podolski is a consummate professional. He understands his role on the team and his place in the pecking order and values results over his personal performances. Both with Arsenal and the German national team, he'll play in whatever role or position his coach asks of him.

Unlike so many of his colleagues, Podolski understands his strengths and limitations. He's not a world-class striker, and he never will be. He's a versatile squad player with enough quality to start for most Premier League teams, and it's his wide skill set that makes him so useful for Arsenal.

The 29-year-old could have demanded a transfer in the summer of 2014, and there would have been plenty of clubs interested in his services. Dozens of teams would have offered him a starting position—most would have added a ton of money.

Kirsty Wigglesworth/Associated Press

He didn't. Arsenal still offer him the best chance to win silverware on the highest level, and with Olivier Giroud now injured, he'll have every chance to play himself into the starting XI again.

Will Welbeck be an instant hit at the Emirates? Perhaps, but that's not the point. In Podolski's mind, what the others do is irrelevant. As long as he keeps working hard, he'll earn his chance. It's a commendable attitude, and one young players should strive toward.

Other clubs are aware of this, too. Podolski is just 29—he'll still have plenty of offers to move whenever he feels like it, as long as he doesn't fall victim to the injury bug.

Sang Tan/Associated Press

Like Petr Cech with Chelsea, Podolski did nothing to alienate the fans during the summer. The German is a popular figure among Gooners, and the day he decides to leave the club, his goodbye will be as warm, heartfelt and sincere as he would have hoped. Podolski has been a loyal servant—Arsenal fans appreciate such passion and grit.

And he's still a solid player. Unlike Cech, he's nowhere near the end of his career. Podolski still has a lot to offer to the club, and with Giroud still sidelined and Welbeck adapting to his new surroundings, he'll have every chance to prove it.

Podolski made the right decision to remain with the Gunners in the summer, and he can only reap the benefits, both short-term and in the long run.

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