Tonight, the Mirror has revealed how German forward Lukas Podolski has followed Theo Walcott, in publicly declaring his wish to play as the central forward at the club.
The 27 year old said: “I’d rather play centrally up front." In a recent interview, and given the fact we are struggling in that department, he should be given a chance.
As we enter November, neither Giroud or Gervinho have really made a true claim to be first choice in that position, as Arsenal have produced some of their most lacklustre attacking performances under Arsene Wenger's management. The £12million summer signing had been expected to play upfront this season, but has only played once up front so far, in a disappointing 80 minutes against Sunderland at the start of the season.
Since then Podolski has been stuck out wide, in a role he occupies for his international side, where he has 44 goals in his 105 caps - a very impressive return from a wide player. But he recently declared his disappointment in playing that role, saying: "On the left, I have to do a lot of defensive work, constantly running up and down."
That defensive work is something that the striker has struggled with at time, and he particularly failed to forge any cohesive partnership with Andre Santos.
With Chamberlain on his way back into the first team, and Walcott making a claim for a first team place, there are options out wide to replace the German. Especially when Gervinho returns to the side in the next few weeks, combined with the up and coming Gnabry and Aaron Ramsey - who has played out wide at times this season.
There is definitely space up front available for Podolski, and after being declared the greatest finisher at the club by Steve Bould, then he should undoubtedly be given a chance. Last season he managed 18 league goals last year for a struggling Cologne side.
Perhaps our best attacking trident is Chamberlain - Podolski - Walcott which provides us with stunning pace, and a great goal threat. Cazorla and Wilshere can provide the creative talent just behind. It hasn't been tried by Wenger yet but with all three players back from injury and on good form, he may try and rejuvenate our stuttering attacking displays with this new forward line.
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