Arsenal Transfer News: Podolski Signing Draws Closer, German Ace Refused Red Devils - Report

According to the latest reports in the "has-he-or-hasn't-he" saga that is German striker Lukas Podolski's proposed transfer to Arsenal, the deal has, in fact, been completed!

A report in The Sun has confirmed the £11m transfer and the fact that that the German international will earn £5.2m a year. The only detail that is missing at this junction is the length of Podolski's contract with the London club. The report also stated that the Gunners' league rivals Manchester United were apparently also in the hunt for the player.

The Polish-born forward, who will play out the season with struggling Bundesliga side FC Koln, will be a valuable addition to a Gunners side sorely starved of world-class strikers. Despite Robin van Persie's phenomenal form this season, the alarming truth is that an injury to their captain will leave Arsene Wenger's side without a proven goal scorer. Podolski's added value to the club will be that he can also play on the left flank, from where he can cut in to great effect... as he does for his national team.

Podolski, 26, has 95 caps for Germany and has scored an impressive 43 times. He has had an impressive domestic season too, having scored 16 times for his club.

Incidentally, a Goal.com report added that news of the transfer and the transfer itself has been delayed, at the request of FC Koln, who fear a backlash from their fans.

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