Arsenal 2012 Transfer News: Lukas Podolski To Sign for Gunners Soon

For weeks now it has been reported that Arsenal were keen on Cologne striker Lukas Podolski, a German international player with bags of experience and talent. Podolski has pace, vision and finishing ability, the perfect combination to be an Arsenal player.

Slowly those reports started confirming that a deal was imminent, and the player is set to be a Gunner soon. BBC Sports and Sky Sports News have both confirmed that Arsenal are close to agreeing to a deal for Podolski.

The fee looks to be around £10 million for a 26-year-old who has 95 appearances for his country, and has played in two World Cups. All that needs to be done is a medical, and an agreement on the four-year deal worth £100,000 a week.

Cologne have refused to comment on the matter, but it looks like Podolski is bound for the Emirates come the end of the season.

Per Mertesacker has stated that his German compatriot has been asking about life in North London. He told Sky Sports:

"He has been very interested in the past few weeks and has sent me a number of text messages. I've told him that this is a great place to work and that Arsenal are an amazing club."

This news comes as a clear intention that Arsenal will strengthen in the summer, and want deals to be completed early. The potential Podolski deal is crucial to show Robin Van Persie the club means business and intends to give him some support.

Podolski will play for Germany at the Euros, and his price could rise at the end of the tournament. This could turn out to be another bargain deal from Arsene Wenger. The last player to have been brought before a major competition was Tomas Rosicky for £7 million.