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Despite Arsène Wenger branding Inter Milan's first offer 'not serious', Lukas Podolski is set to join the former European and Italian champions on loan for the remainder of the season. Wenger confirmed that a second, improved bid had been made for Podolski, who was absent yesterday due to a 'groin problem'. It now appears that Podolski is in Milan ahead of his proposed loan move:
BREAKING: Sky Sources: Lukas Podolski to travel to Milan tonight ahead of proposed loan move to Inter Milan. #SSNHQ
— Sky Sports News HQ (@SkySportsNewsHQ) January 2, 2015
Podolski, who has only started twice this season, has been vocal about his desire to play more, which obviously wasn't going to happen at Arsenal. Although Podolski has scored 31 times in 82 appearances, he has found his game time dwindling each consecutive season, and was set to move in the summer until Olivier Giroud broke his leg.
While many Arsenal fans find it odd that Wenger is letting go a proven goalscorer, Podolski was not successful as a centre forward, and did not do enough off the ball to gain a starting spot. Furthermore, despite relatively good goal record, it is notable that most of his strikes, like at the international level, have come against lesser sides. With Theo Walcott, as good a finisher and possessed with a better all-around game, back in the side and Danny Welbeck having joined in the summer, there was little need for Podolski to remain at the club.