Arsenal Transfer News: Lukas Podolski Return, Fabio Coentrao Bid Leads Rumours

Lukas Podolski is set to return to Arsenal in the summer after failing to impress Roberto Mancini at Inter Milan, according to Tuttosport (h/t Jamie Anderson of the Daily Star).

Podolski joined the Italian outfit on loan in January after struggling for first-team opportunities at Arsenal. Anderson suggests he has "underwhelmed" Mancini, who will opt to spend greater cash to sign Paris Saint-Germain's Ezequiel Lavezzi at the end of the season.

Even so, Anderson believes Podolski's north London reunion will be "brief." It's questionable whether we'll ever see the German international in an Arsenal shirt again, particularly when you consider the poor form and public irritation he displayed while at the Emirates.

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Podolski scored three goals in 13 appearances across all competitions this season for Arsenal, two of which came during his only start against Galatasaray, per WhoScored. He is yet to net in six appearances for Inter, where he hasn't managed to make Arsene Wenger regret letting him leave.

The former Bayern Munich man was critical of the Frenchman upon leaving Arsenal, reported by The Sun (h/t Sky Sports): "He said nothing to me. He did not call or say goodbye. I don’t need flowers or a kiss from him. But it is about respect, about saying goodbye. For me, respect is important. I did everything for the club I possibly could have. I don’t believe I did anything wrong."

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A parting shot of this kind makes it even more difficult for Podolski to be welcomed back to England with open arms. Even if Mancini opts for Lavezzi, it's unlikely Arsenal fans will see Podolski bombing down the left wing again.

Someone who could operate this side is Real Madrid's Fabio Coentrao, a player Arsenal have reportedly scouted in recent weeks, reported by Spanish publication Fichajes (h/t Jamie Sanderson of Metro). It is suggested the full-back has been added to the club's "list of summer targets" and that the Gunners are "set to make an official offer for the player," per Sanderson.

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Coentrao is a quality all-rounder, the type of individual who struggles to break into the Madrid first team but would excel elsewhere.

Wenger has deployed Nacho Monreal at left-back in Kieran Gibbs' absence this season, making additional strength necessary in the summer. Coentrao has the versatility to play further forward and has even been known to slot into defensive midfield, so he could be a smart capture.

The Portuguese player is currently struggling with injury, per AS:

Coentrao's transfer would be among the most noteworthy of the summer. Bleacher Report UK's Ryan Bailey and Matteo Bonetti recently looked at a handful of other deals that could grab headlines across Europe:

Wenger's squad is moving in the right direction. His capture of centre-back Gabriel Paulista during the January transfer window ensures Arsenal have enough defensive cover to see out the season, but there's no doubt additional quality is needed across the board if the club are to challenge in all competitions.

It's likely Wenger will target another forward when the summer market opens, particularly if Podolski's reported return is short-lived. Arsenal have spent big during the last two end-of-season windows—bringing in Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez—so it's likely Wenger will once again drop significant cash to improve the squad.