“Arsenal don’t have a striker” – Podolski on best between Gunners and Inter Milan, and player who needs to improve

Arsenal haven’t quite been at their best in the past few weeks and as the Champions League clash against Inter approaches, Mikel Arteta’s men prepare for a stern test.

Simone Inzaghi’s side did well against Manchester City earlier in the competition, getting a 0-0 draw, and they will be looking to go one better against Arsenal tomorrow.

As the game approaches, former Gunners and Nerazzurri forward Lukas Podolski spoke to Gazzetta dello Sport about the clash and gave his views on a problem that Arsenal face upfront.

When asked about who will be Inter’s key player, the German said:

“I say Thuram. Arsenal don’t have a striker like that. There’s Havertz, that’s true, but he’s not a number 9. That’s the difference.” 

The former Gunners man has reservations about compatriot Kai Havertz as a striker, and shared praise for Bukayo Saka when asked about the club’s best player.

“Bukayo Saka. A born dribbler.” 

Riccardo Calafiori will not be available for the game in Italy but the 39-year-old Podolski gave his views about the ex-Bologna man too.

“Arsenal are not a club of inexperienced people, they know what they’re doing and if they spent that money it’s because they believe in the player.

“I honestly say he’s not at his best yet, he has to improve, but it’s just a matter of time.”

When questioned about who he prefers between the two sides, the former Germany international said:

“It’s hard to say. Inter… is Inter. Inzaghi’s philosophy is known to everyone, but if I have to choose a style that bewitches me, I’d go for Arteta’s. I love what he manages to convey when the Gunners play football.” 

Considering how Inter troubled City some weeks ago, Arteta’s side will be very cautious during the game.

Arsenal have shown their pragmatic side in recent weeks in the absence of Martin Odegaard and they should show more of that at the Giuseppe Meazza tomorrow. The lack of a proper number nine can be negated if they decide to set up on the counter-attack.

They took a similar approach to Bergamo against Atalanta and Inter should expect their English opponents to sit back and hit them on the break. Regardless, it promises to be a fascinating game.