Cologne coach Frank Schaefer and former Cologne and Arsenal striker Tony Woodcock have both given their seals of approval for Gunners signing Lukas Podolski, with the striker set to move to the Emirates in the summer.

Reports had been speculating for months that Podolski had come to an agreement to move to England at the end of the Bundesliga season, and the news was finally confirmed by Arsene Wenger this week.

And Schaefer told The Sun that he believes Podolski will be a big asset for Arsenal next season, with the side looking to alleviate some pressure on prolific hitman Robin van Persie.

"I think he could score lots of goals next season, particularly if Robin van Persie stays," he said. "Arsenal is one of the clubs that is absolutely right for Lukas. For lots of reasons.

"First of all, he has the right coach in Arsene Wenger. It will be excellent for Lukas to have a quiet, experienced coach with good psychological abilities. It is also good for Lukas because Arsene speaks such good German.

Lukas Podolski
Lukas Podolski will be an asset for Arsenal, according to Frank Schaefer and Tony Woodcock.

"Secondly, I think Arsenal play the type of football which suit Lukas. They pay good, offensive football.

"Physically, Lukas is very strong so he will have no problems in this area.

"Thirdly, Per Mertesacker being at the club is extremely helpful. He is a great person, an intelligent man, and he will be good for Lukas to have around at Arsenal. Per is a good influence."

Meanwhile, Woodcock, who moved from Cologne to Arsenal in 1982 and made over 130 appearances for the Gunners, believes that Podolski is perfect for the north London side's line up in every way.

"You have someone in Lukas who ticks all the boxes - right age, right price, great experience, the right time for him to move to another country and he is used to a cult following," he told the official Arsenal website.

"There is no reason why he should not be a major success.

"He can play up front, a little bit deeper as a second striker or, as he is a natural left-footer, he can even play on the left-hand side. That is down to Arsène to sort out his best position but Lukas has scored quite a few goals in a struggling Cologne side this season, so that shows his quality."

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