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they can lure Wayne Rooney from Manchester United despite the club’s official line that the player is not for sale.
With Chelsea also poised to make an inquiry about the England striker, having judged Radamel Falcao and Edinson Cavani too expensive, Rooney will be the subject of £20 million bids from both clubs.
But United will be extremely reluctant to sell to title rivals Chelsea and will have reservations about strengthening Arsenal, who are on the verge of signing Gonzalo Higuaín from Real Madrid.
In his first season at the Emirates Podolski scored 11 times and also grabbed 10 assists, putting him in the Premier League’s top 10 goal contributors.
Podolski said to The Sun: “The hope is that this season Arsenal will be at the top of the league. English football, thankfully, is not like Spain where you only have two teams — Barcelona and Real Madrid — who fight at the top.
“In the Premier League, you have five, six, even seven top, top teams. It’s very difficult but I know that Arsenal are one of those top teams who will be involved.”
Arsenal appear likely to strengthen their attack considerably in the summer. They have already signed Yaya Sanogo on a free transfer from Auxerre, and are hoping to unveil
Real Madrid’s Gonzalo Higuain at some point in the next week.
Asked about the competition for his place, Podolski said: “It’s always good when good players come in. I don’t worry about a specific player. And it’s certainly not a problem.
“I’m strong enough and I have qualities. And when good players come in, I’ll play with good players.”
David Moyes has admitted he is doing everything he can to strengthen his Manchester United squad amid reports the club are close to completing the capture of midfielder Thiago Alcantara from Barcelona.
“Manchester United will always be close to the best players,”Moyes told MUTV.
“I will inform the supporters as much as I can.
“Some things are confidential but I am doing everything I possibly can to strengthen the current English champions.”
However, with Ashley Young, Chris Smalling and Nani all doubts for the first game against Singha All Stars in Bangkok next weekend, Moyes has confirmed the tour may provide an opportunity for a couple of youngsters.
Eighteen-year-old midfielder Adnan Januzaj seems the most likely inclusion, having made the bench for last season’s final game, the epic 5-5 draw at West Brom, although goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, Tom Thorpe and Larnell Cole were all part of the England Under-20 squad for the recent World Cup tournament in Turkey.
In addition, defender Michael Keane has been capped by England at Under-21 level, although twin brother Will missed all last season with a serious knee injury.
“I don’t know if it is useful to be away for three weeks but it is useful in terms of getting to know the players,” said Moyes of the tour, which features visits to Sydney, Japan and Hong Kong in addition to the opener in Thailand. — Mailonline.
Online Reporter