Arsenal confirm Lukas Podolski has completed loan move to Inter Milan

Lukas Podolski has joined Inter Milan on loan until the end of the season, Arsenal have confirmed.

Podolski, 29, has been a peripheral figure at the Emirates Stadium this season and has been vocal in his desire to leave for a club willing to offer him first-team opportunities.

Speaking after his side's third round FA Cup victory over Hull City on Sunday, Arsene Wenger said the player was set to join the Nerazzurri and the club have since confirmed his departure through their official website.

The German international has failed to start a single Premier League game for the Gunners this season and will have just one year remaining on his contract when he returns to the club in the summer.

"He is going to Inter Milan on loan," Wenger said after his side's 2-0 win over Hull on Sunday 4 January.

"We got a decent agreement and of course I have so many options up front that he was frustrated he will not getting a chance in the team, which you can understand at his age."

Wenger could yet sanction further departures, with Yaya Sanogo tipped to leave the club. Ligue 1 side Bordeaux are ready to take the France Under-21 international on a loan deal but his club manager would prefer the striker to remain in the Premier League.

"Yaya is here at the moment. He is different from [Lukas] Podolski – Podolski was frustrated," Wenger added. "Sanogo needs more experience at the top level in the Premier League. He's ready to play but we have so many options up front that it's difficult to play."

Crystal Palace are among the sides linked a temporary move for Sanogo.