Exclusive: 'No Official Offer From Arsenal' For German International

The International Business Times can confirm Arsenal have not made an offer for Cologne striker Lukas Podolski.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has been strongly linked with a £20 million move for the 26-year-old but a source close to the player told the IBTimes that thus far the north London Premier League club have not made an official enquiry for the German international.

The Daily Mirror claim Arsenal are considering a move for the former Bayern Munich star amid reports Arsene Wenger is desperate to alleviate the current goal scoring burden shouldered by Emirates talisman Robin Van Persie.

The aforementioned report intimates Podolski's perceived inconsistency over the last 12-months had not deterred Arsenal's interest in a player who has already amassed 95 caps for Germany.

Although Arsenal were widely reported to have watched Podolski in action during Cologne's 3-0 defeat against Borussia Monchengladbach, a source close to the player told the IBTimes that there had been no official approach from the Gunners.

"Lukas has a contract with Cologne until June 2013." The source told The International Business Times.

"There has been no official offer from Arsenal and I will not comment on speculation."

Whilst Arsenal have not followed up their alleged interest in the striker, who scored Germany's first goal at the 2010 World Cup finals against Austria, the Poland born forward recently voiced his frustration at Cologne's current malaise, heightening speculation regarding his future at the club. Podolski's side are currently in 11th place in the Bundesliga having lost seven of their opening 13 matches.

"I was told the plan was to get back into Europe here, but we have failed and of course I have to ask myself why," Podolski told German publication Bild.

"My family and friends may live here and I know every corner of the city, but if I am in top condition, then I think I could fit into any side in Europe. I am not forced to stay only in Cologne,"

Arsenal have been linked with a number of Germany's talented players in recent weeks, most notably Borussia Dortmund's Mario Gotze and Borussia Monchengladbach Marco Reus. Earlier in the month the International Business Times revealed that neither Götze nor Reus were likely to leave the Bundesliga in January, particularly so close to the European Championships.

Like the prodigiously gifted two Bundesliga starlets, Podolski is likely to play a major role for Germany at next summer's European Championships in Poland and the Ukraine. Joachim Löw's hugely talented young side are amongst the pre-tournament favourites and Podolski has been a mainstay of the setup since making his debut in June 2004.