Post Milan Hangover, and Arsenal Agree to Deal for Lukas Podolski

In recent years, Arsenal fans have become accustomed to seeing their team falter and capitulate in the business end of the season, but Tuesday’s Champions League defeat against AC Milan on aggregate left a sweet taste on my mouth, unlike the usual sour taste an Arsenal loss brings.

A thousand-and-one positives can be taken from that game ranging from the attack-minded formation deployed by Arsene Wenger from the start, to the performances of the 11 warriors with the exception of the ineffectual substitutes that were summoned into the pitch after the gods of injuries struck twice.

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“Anyone who even thinks of blaming Robin van Persie for missing a gilt-edged change yesterday in the second half will get one right in the solar plexus from me. Go in for an immediate retina scan, good sirs, for you hath not watched this season properly.”–NicksPinkBoots

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Like the aftermath of a classic hangover after a night out of “intoxicating” football, The Gunners have been engaging themselves with the media vultures for more reasons than one. Starting from the sticks, Wojciech Szczesny has stated that the dismissal of Andres Villas-Boa "Constrictor" was as a result of the Chelsea old hags cabal, and he has taunted Tottenham’s European chances.

The prospect of St. Totteringham’s day is like a little light shining on a dark tunnel, and not every light on the end of a tunnel can be a good thing. It could be a train heading straight at you. On the issue of AVB losing his job, I’ll let you all know when I care.

Thomas Vermaelen spoke about going all out for to ensure Champions League qualification next year while Tomas Rosicky lauded his team mates following a breathtaking and enthralling encounter. "Little Mozart" rolled back the years to produce a scintillating display that has more or less earned him a new contract extension and a possible coaching role in the near future.

One Gunner that has earned plaudits after another dominant display is Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. He’s not just Arsenal’s future, he’s the present and the future. "The Ox" created Arsenal’s third goal after he was scythed down in the box by that rookie Algerian left back Antonio Nocerino.

The Premier League’s greatest striker, Alan Shearer, has tipped the Ox to play for England in Euro 2012:

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“Let’s face it, he was playing an experienced AC Milan side last night and was probably one of the best players on the pitch, which bodes well for England. It’s a similar situation to Theo Walcott but I’d say he probably looks more comfortable then Theo did when he was at that age.

“If he keeps on improving then why not take him?”

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Liverpool great Graeme Souness also sang sweet tunes about "the Ox" and he has also tipped the young lad for greatness. I tend to wonder if the world would have seen "the Ox" if Gervinho and Chamakh didn’t leave for the African Cup of Nations in January.

Still sticking with tales in the wake of the post-Milan hangover, reports are emerging again that Arsene Wenger could receive sanctions from UEFA. He probably had a thing or two to say about the match official after the game, and the suit-wearing chums at Europe’s football governing body aren’t cool with it.

Elsewhere, AC Milan is still in shock after Arsenal swept them aside, and their goalie Christian Abbiati has hailed his reaction save against Robin van Persie. With all the pre-match shenanigans involving Zlatan Ibrahimovic telling the world how he shunned Arsenal and Maxi Allegri giving Wenger some “friendly advice“ on signing players in order to win trophies, Milan were one goal away from being in hot soup.

I guess Milan would have to make sure they turn their pitch to a ground fit enough to rear cattle if they want to win their quarterfinal home tie. At least, it worked perfectly well against Arsenal.

After all the whispers from fans and media vultures alike, Arsenal has finally agreed to a deal to sign FC Cologne’s Lukas Podolski this summer. He had agreed personal terms a few days ago, and many were skeptical about him joining Arsenal because they felt that a massive transfer fee would be the hindrance.

FC Cologne initially slapped an £18m price tag on their key asset, but a series of negotiations occurred, and both teams have settled for £10.9m, a classic Arsenal signing fee. The club is set to hand the German international a four-year deal worth over £100,000 per week.

I’m pretty sure that his compatriot Per Mertesacker had a hand in the move because the "Gentle Giant" unveiled that Podolski sent him a few text messages, and he told the chap that Arsenal is a great club. Podolski has stated that he’s not joining the club for the greens, but he wants to develop his career.

To whom it may concern,

Here are five reasons why Lukas Podolski should be a Gunner.