Redknapp: Prolific Podolski Would Provide Extra Dimension in Attack

Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp believes Lukas Podolski will prove an inspired signing for Arsenal, amid reports the striker agreed a switch to north London over the weekend.

Arsene Wenger moved to refute speculation that a deal for the 26-year-old Cologne player was completed over the weekend, with the Daily Mail suggesting a fee of £10.9m has been approved by both clubs.

Podolski, who has scored 16 goals in 21 Bundesliga appearances this season, denied that there was a deal in place for him to leave the club for Arsenal.

"We'll just have to wait and see, but nothing has been decided yet," he told the Telegraph.

"Every day people are repeatedly announcing the deal, or wanting to be the first to confirm it exclusively, but if there is anything to say, then I will be the first to do so."

But former Liverpool midfielder Redknapp remains adamant that Podolski would be a fantastic signing for the Gunners and implored Wenger to secure the German international's signature before other clubs come calling.

"Lukas Podolski will give Arsenal extra firepower and will be an inspired capture by Arsene Wenger. With 43 goals for his country he is a prolific tournament scorer," Redknapp told the Daily Mail.

"The German was sent off at the weekend and grabbed his Cologne coach by the throat, so expect fireworks.

"Like Luis Suarez, he has to prove he's worth the hassle. He's only 26 and they can't keep being reliant on their Robin to keep scoring."

Podolski was sent off on Saturday after he aimed a head-butt at a Hertha Berlin player during Cologne's 1-0 win. The striker then grabbed his coach by the neck as he left the field.

"I have seen the incident again in the dressing room and I think everybody has seen that it was not a red card," he told Sky Sports.

"I don't know what he (the referee) saw. I remained calm and freed myself from my opponent.

"I asked the referee afterwards why he had shown me the red card and he said that I had grabbed my opponent by the neck.

"I think he must be the only person with that opinion, but I just have to accept it."