Transfer Centre

Tony Woodcock: 'Lukas Podolski will be a success at Arsenal'

By Liam Apicella, Features Editor | 08 March 2012

Former Arsenal and Cologne striker Tony Woodcock tells Sports Mole that Lukas Podolski would be a success if he moved to the Gunners during the summer.

Former Arsenal and Cologne striker Tony Woodcock believes that Lukas Podolski would be a success in the Premier League.

German international Podolski is reportedly keen on a move away from Cologne this summer, with the Gunners said to be one of his preferred destinations.

Woodcock, who played over 300 matches for both clubs, feels that the time may be right for the 26-year-old to leave his homeland and join Arsenal.

"If he wants to develop as a person [then maybe he should join Arsenal]," Woodcock told Sports Mole. "He is the prince of Cologne and an iconic figure.

"It might be the right time [for him to move]. He is probably looking at the Premier League and thinking 'this may be the time for me'.

"He is only 26 but has played about 90 times for Germany, which is incredible."

A switch to the Emirates could potentially see Podolski line up alongside skipper Robin van Persie next season.

Despite playing in similar positions, Woodcock is adamant that the pair could forge an understanding.

"Good players can play with anybody," Woodcock added. "It doesn't matter who you play with, the game stays the same. [Arsenal] are going to get a very good footballer with a hammer of a left foot."

However, the former England international has warned Arsenal, and other clubs, that it will no be easy to entice players away from the Bundesliga.

"These are not little club where you can just take players away," said Woodcock. "They are big clubs that are very well run."

Earlier today it was reported that Podolski had told Arsenal's Per Mertesacker that a move to Arsenal is something that he is seriously considering.

Woodcock was speaking to Sports Mole at Loftus Road during the launch of the 20-20 Football's Elite Legend Cup.