Podolski Hopeful Van Persie Will Stay: A Fan's Take

The newly signed Lukas Podolski says he is hopeful that Robin van Persie will stay as a Gunner, despite him stating that he would not sign a new contract to remain at Arsenal.

 Podolski has no say in the matter, but I guess a guy can dream. He came to Emirates Stadium probably thinking that he was going to play alongside Robin van Persie. Podolski is determined to end Arsenal's seven-year trophy drought and he knows it'll be a lot easier to do that if van Persie is his teammate.

 Podolski told ESPN, "All I can say is van Persie had an amazing record last season and hopefully there is a way he can stay with Arsenal. It would be great to play with him, but obviously this is not in my control."

 The new Arsenal striker thinks that the criticism that has been poured on Wenger is incredibly harsh considering his record with Arsenal. He feels Wenger is greatly under-appreciated. You can say it's just a player sticking up for his new manager, but he does have a point, Wenger has taken a lot of criticism when there are many other factors at play surrounding what usually just falls on Wenger's shoulders.

 Podolski seems to have the right intentions as a player under Wenger, he said, "Wenger's reputation has been built on improving players and if he can help me take my game up a notch or two I'll be delighted. Back home in Germany, football people think very highly of Arsene Wenger."

 Podolski brought up a great point when he suggested Arsenal has as good a chance as anyone in the Premier League and that the key will be to start well and, unlike Manchester City or United, there will not be as much pressure on us. Arsenal is the dark favorite to rise up the Premier League Table quickly if they can only win early, unlike last season.

 Podolski left Koln because he wanted to win trophies. Does Robin van Persie not see that with Podolski his chance of winning trophies greatly increases? It seems like not everyone on Arsenal is on the same page. That's not a good place to be with the season starting in mere weeks.