Podolski Joins The Gunners

Germany striker Lukas Podolski will join Arsenal from Cologne for the start of next season for an undisclosed fee.

The 26-year-old international began his career at Cologne in 2002 and joined Bayern Munich four years later before returning to his first club in 2009.

Podolski, who has 95 caps, said: "I'm so happy to be joining Arsenal and the Premier League. They are one of the top clubs in Europe with a huge history.

"There are many top-quality players at Arsenal and their style is fantastic."

He added: "I have made this decision not against FC Cologne but because it is a great opportunity.

"This was not an easy decision for me at all, as Cologne, our fans and the city are something special for me."

The Poland-born forward, who had one year left on his contract, has scored 18 league goals so far this season for a side battling relegation, which is his best ever top-flight return.

He added: "I will always carry FC Cologne in my heart. We need to pool our strengths now and have to be fully focused on our survival in the Bundesliga."

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said: "He is a top-class player, a very good finisher and a proven performer at club and international level. He is a very strong player and will provide us with good attacking options."

Arsenal are looking to add to their striking options. While although Robin van Persie has netted 28 to become the Premier League's leading scorer, their next highest scorer is Theo Walcott on eight goals.

Podolski, who will link up with international team-mate Per Mertesacker in north London, played for Germany at the 2006 and 2010 World Cups and is set to be part of their squad at Euro 2012.

He has 43 goals from 95 appearances, putting him joint-sixth in Germany's all-time list despite often playing on the left.

Wenger said: "That is a phenomenal record and just shows his quality as a player."

Cologne's executive chairman Claus Horstmann said: "Cologne were prepared to extend Lukas Podolski's contract on the basis of a competitive offer. Nonetheless, this early transfer decision offers scope and planning security for the next season.

"Lukas has left a mark on FC Cologne's reputation and we feel the need to thank him for numerous great football experiences."

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Auf Wiedersehen Lukas

Lukas Podolski was sent off on Saturday after aiming a headbutt at an opponent during an ill-tempered match with Hertha Berlin. 

The Cologne striker was handed his marching orders during the 1-0 win in a game which saw three players sent off.

Arsene Wenger's side agreed a £10.9m deal with Cologne for the German international and the striker looks set to put pen to paper on a four-year contract at the Emirates worth £100,000-a-week.

Hertha's Georgia's Kobiashvili was sent off for his second yellow of the game after clashing with Podolski who was, in turn, shown a straight red. 

Wenger insists the deal is yet to be finalised for the Poland-born 26-year-old, who has played at two World Cups, but is confident he can be brought in at the right price. 

'He is a good football player above all. He can play for us because he can play central, he can play right and he can play on the left,' Wenger said.

'He has 96 caps for Germany and is 26 years old which is the best age.

'He is available at a reasonable price if we can reach an agreement, but at the moment we are nowhere near.

'I don't want to disappoint people and let down their expectations. Let us first see what we can do.'