Arsenal Transfer News: Teammate Hints At Striker Switch

Per Mertesacker has hinted that Lukas Podolski could make a switch to Arsenal in the summer, with the defender revealing that his Germany teammate has sent him texts asking about what it's like to be part of the Gunners squad.

Mertesacker was purchased by Arsene Wenger last summer, and though he is still adapting to the Premier League after a move from the Bundesliga, the 27 year old has said on numerous occasions that he is loving life at the Emirates and plans to be there for the long haul.

And as Podolski decides where his future lies, and reports continue to connect the striker with a move to Arsenal, Mertesacker admitted that he has been texting and speaking to the star about the possibility of coming to north London.

"He has shown a lot of interest in recent weeks and has sent me a text message," Mertesacker said, as reported by ESPN. "As you can imagine, I've told him positive things."

"I haven't been told that [a deal has been done], and Lukas hasn't called me. I have written to him, though, to tell him how well he can do here and what a great club it is. I think it can happen."

Arsenal looked in desperate need of more depth in their striking options last night as they took on AC Milan. While in the first half, the side were dominant and dangerous, after Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade Chamberlain were subbed for Park Chu-Young and Marouane Chamakh, the side seemed to lose their edge and Milan turned the tables.

And with Chamakh admitting in the past that he will consider a move if his game time continues to be limited by Wenger, a striker could be just the signing that Arsenal need in the summer to compete with the bigger clubs in both the Premier League and Champions League.