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Wenger - Podolski has a future up front

Lukas Podolski

Arsene Wenger says Lukas Podolski’s long-term future could be as a centre forward.

With Olivier Giroud suspended, Podolski started up front against Manchester United last Sunday and is in line to retain his place against Queens Park Rangers at the weekend.

The German international had previously only started in the No 9 role once this season, on the opening day against Sunderland, but Wenger wants Podolski to be the focal point of his side’s attack.

"It’s a good opportunity for him to show that he has a future in this position and that he can finish"

Arsene Wenger

“Of course it’s a good opportunity for him to show that he has a future in this position and that he can finish,” the boss said. “But first I must decide to play him there.

“He was a little bit rusty [against Manchester United] because he had not played a lot. I believe it is his best position maybe because on the flanks he needs to work so hard and he’s more a finisher than anyone else in the team. Him and Theo are two finishers.

“I played him only against Sunderland in the first game in this position, only against Manchester United in this position, so it’s not two ideal games. The first game of the season and against Man United, but I am tempted to give him another chance of course in this position.

“He wants to play there, but today all the players who play on the flanks want to play there.

“I’m convinced that through the middle he can have a great goalscoring record.”

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