It has been confirmed that Koln striker Lukas Podolski will be an Arsenal player next season after it was revealed on the website of his current club. The future of German international Lukas Podolski has been a strongly debated topic in recent weeks, with reports suggesting that Arsenal have already agreed personal terms with the player. However, both Arsenal and Arsene Wenger have been denying speculation that they have signed the player up until now. Only a few matches remain in the Bundesliga and the Premier league. Arsenal look on course to finishing in the third position, which will guarantee them Champions League football.

Following the 1-1 draw at Stoke City, it was confirmed on the website of the German club Koln that Podolski will be an Arsenal player next season. This poses intriguing questions about the future of star striker Robin van Persie, who is being linked with Manchester City. The fact that van Persie only recently postponed the talks about signing a new contract coupled with the confirmation of the arrival of Podolski only adds to the speculation regarding the future of the Dutchman. Van Persie once again scored during the weekend against Stoke City to help Arsenal gain at least a point.

“We deeply regret his step, which is not a decision against [the club] but for the good of his own career. Koln 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. We will jump at this opportunity to reinvest these transfer earnings back into our team’s quality and into the promotion of our youth squads,” the executive board chairman, Claus Horstmann, said the official website of the club. The 26-year-old thanked the fans for their support.