Published: 8 January, 2015
by STEVE BARNETT

ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger insists he has “many solutions up front” despite the January transfer window sparking a striker exodus at the Emirates Stadium. 

German international Lukas Podolski joined Serie A side Inter Milan on loan until the end of the season on Monday, while France U-21s forward Yaya Sanogo also looks set to leave in the next 48 hours by completing a temporary deal with Bordeaux. 

There is growing speculation that Costa Rican striker Joel Campbell is also heading for the exit with former Manchester United and Everton manager David Moyes trying to finalise a loan deal to take him to Real Sociedad. 

Despite the departures Wenger still has a wealth of talent at his disposal, with fit-again Theo Walcott joining Danny Welbeck, Alexis Sanchez and Olivier Giroud in attack. 

Speaking after Sunday’s 2-0 FA Cup win against Hull, Wenger said, “We have many options when you think of the players who still have not played tonight. We have many solutions up front. 

“It’s a very important period now. We’ve had many injuries, but hopefully now everybody will be back and stay fit.” 

The Gunners look set to welcome back some much-needed firepower ahead of Sunday’s Premier League showdown against Stoke. 

Giroud returns following his three-match suspension for headbutting QPR defender Nedum Onuoha. 

Strike partner Welbeck is also back in contention following a thigh problem, while Wenger revealed that Aaron Ramsey has “a little chance” of at least making the bench following a hamstring injury. 

Despite making his first start in a year against Hull on Sunday, Walcott could find himself back on the bench as Wenger eases the England international back into action. 

Wenger looks set to keep the faith with calamity keeper Wojciech Szczesny despite his horror show at Southampton. 

There were reports that Szczesny was fined £20,000 this week for smoking in the showers after the 2-0 defeat at St Mary’s Stadium. 

The Polish shot-stopper, however, is still odds on to start in goal against Stoke.