German international joined Galatasaray
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed the reasons behind the sale of Lukas Podolski.
German striker Podolski, who spent half of last season on loan in Italy with Inter Milan, has completed a £1.8m move to Galatasaray.
Speaking to Arsenal Player, Wenger explained that competition for places up front, and out wide, at the Emirates Stadium was a deciding factor.
Wenger Explains Sale
He said: “Lukas Podolski played in a position that is congested because we have so many wide players or players who can play wide.
“I felt that the opportunities for him to play with the stature a player has, he needed to go somewhere and play.
“I believe it’s a good move for him because if Lukas has confidence and trust from the manager, he has the potential and the talent. I was not sure I could give that to him here.”
Competition for Places
Arsenal have a host of players who can play either out on the wings, or up front.
Chilean star Alexis Sanchez, who has just helped his nation to Copa America glory, is one of those capable of either role.
Other players able to be flexible in their positions include Mesut Ozil, and the England trio of Theo Walcott, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Danny Welbeck.
It is this competition for places which has had a hand in Podolski‘s departure.
by Steve Osborne
