Arsenal 'close on Podolski'
Reports in Germany say striker set to quit Bundesliga
Arsenal have reportedly agreed a deal to sign Cologne striker Lukas Podolski at the end of the season.
Widespread reports emanating from Germany suggest the Gunners have lined up a swoop to bring
Podolski to the Emirates in the summer.
The fee is believed to be in the region of £10.9million, with Podolski expected to sign a four-year contract in North London.
Arsenal have yet to comment on the reports but the Gunners have been linked with a move for Podolski for the last few months as
Arsene Wenger looks to bolster his attacking options for next season.
Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker recently admitted his Germany team-mate has been asking him about life in the capital.
Very interested
"He has been very interested in the last few weeks and sent me a text message or two," Mertesacker told
Sky Germany.
"I just responded to him positively, we have a good club here and everyone here has a positive opinion of 'Poldi'."
Despite being only 26, Podolski has a wealth of experience having made 95 appearances for Germany and played in two World Cups.
Cologne have refused to confirm that Podolski will be leaving the club this summer, but it seems increasingly likely his next destination is set to be Arsenal.
Arsenal 'close on Podolski' | Latest Football Transfer News | Sky Sports
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ARSENAL last night had an £11million bid offer accepted for Cologne's German international striker Lukas Podolski.
Podolski, 26, has been offered a four-year contract worth £100,000-a-week.
Despite hoping for £20m, Cologne have accepted this latest offer, having turned down an initial bid of £8m.Arsene Wenger's lack of strikers - other than Robin Van Persie - has been obvious this season.
Emirates defender Per Mertesacker admitted in Germany yesterday that he had been quizzed by his international team-mate about life in north London.Mertesacker said: "He has been very interested for the past few weeks."He has sent me a number of text messages, and I have told him this is a great place to work and that Arsenal are an amazing club."
Arsenal are also interested in Dortmund star Mario Gotze and are tracking West Brom's Peter Odemwingie, who is seen as a squad player.
Lukas Podolski Arsenal transfer close as £11m offer accepted for Cologne striker | The Sun |Sport|Football