Arsenal striker Podolski moots potential Bundesliga return

 

Germany would have no shortage of potential suitors for Arsenal's out-of-favor striker Lukas Podolski. The 29-year-old's strong bond with Cologne already narrows down the possibilities, trimming off the club's rivals in the same region. But his former club might, indeed, be where his future lies.
Speaking to Sky Sports News in Germany, the 29-year-old re-affirmed his desire to return to Cologne who are now back in the Bundesliga after winning promotion last season. He completed his move to Premier League side Arsenal when Cologne were initially relegated to the second-tier back in 2012.
"I can imagine a transfer to Cologne in the next few years because I'm always attached to the club," he said. "I have always said that I want to hear this hymn again when walking up the stairs with the number 10 shirt. That's what I dream about and I hope it comes true again."
This season, the German international has taken to the field in the Premier League for a measly 50 minutes from a possible 1170 over 13 league games.
In all competitions, the striker has played 78 times for the Gunners in his two-and-a-bit-year spell in London and he managed to score just eight times last season in the league.
Now that the Billy Goats have returned to the German top division, bringing a much-needed sense of financial stability, a return for Podolski could be feasible. The player's deal lasts until July 2016 in London, but a move on loan in January could be possible.
However, Arsene Wenger, the long-term manager of the North London club, has dismissed a January transfer in the past, claiming the experienced German striker is "not-for-sale."