Tuesday 30 December 2014 14:36, UK
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger says talk of Lukas Podolski joining Inter Milan in a loan deal next month 'is a joke'.
And Wenger is confident the World Cup winner will stay at the Emirates beyond the January transfer window, despite being unhappy at his limited game time.
Inter boss Roberto Mancini informed an Italian news channel that the 29-year-old is "part of a list of players we are following" and is said to be weighing up a loan move.
That is a joke. Inter Milan is not serious. It is nothing serious. They talk, there is only talk.
But an irate Wenger said: "That is a joke. Inter Milan is not serious. It is nothing serious. They talk, there is only talk."
Wenger is keen for Podolski to remain part of his squad with Olivier Giroud hit by a three-game suspension and Danny Welbeck struggling with a thigh problem picked up in the win against West Ham.
"Podolski is a player of Arsenal Football Club and I want him to stay,” Wenger said. “Apart from that, what it is to be professional is that as long as you are somewhere, you give your best to justify your wages and your love for the club."
And Wenger rejected the notion that Podolski would benefit from a loan spell anywhere, as he believes only younger players gain anything from such an experience.
"I don't really doubt in some positions where players need experience, but that is not the case for Podolski," he said.
"For players who need practice because they are at a very young age, like Yaya Sanogo it is not impossible."
The Frenchman also confirmed he intends to bring in some cover during the window, given the number of injuries suffered by key men, notably in midfield.
Jack Wilshere, Aaron Ramsey and Mezut Ozil are all sidelined and Wenger said: "There is a need there, but the right opportunity has to come up. To buy is not what we want to do, but if the right opportunity comes up, we will do it."
