Podolski to join Arsenal

Striker admits Gunners move was too good to turn down

Lukas Podolski: Moving to Arsenal from Cologne this summer

Arsenal have confirmed they have agreed a deal to sign Cologne striker Lukas Podolski this summer for an undisclosed fee. A move for the Germany international has been mooted for some time and now Cologne have confirmed Podolski will link up with Arsenal for next season. Cologne have reluctantly agreed to sell their top striker rather than risk losing him for nothing next summer when his contract was due to expire.

The signing is something of a coup for Arsenal with a number of clubs across Europe thought to be in the chase to land Podolski this summer. The arrival of Podolski will help add to Arsene Wenger's attacking options and relieve the goalscoring burden on this season's top scorer Robin van Persie.
Podolski admitted the chance to move to Arsenal was just too good to turn down.

Great opportunity

"The move to Arsenal gives me the opportunity to play at international level in a top European club," Podolski told Cologne's official website.
"I chose not to leave FC, but for this great opportunity in my sporting career.
"The decision for this step is not easy for me because FC Koln, the city and the fans are very special for me.
"I'll wear the FC always in my heart. We must now concentrate all the forces together and focus exclusively on the league."
Arsenal chief Wenger was delighted to bring in Podolski as the club's first signing of the summer.
"We are delighted to secure the deal for Lukas and see him as an important part of our future," Wenger told the club's official website.
"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."