• Premier League

Podolski plays down Arsenal link

ESPNsoccernet staff
March 11, 2012
Lukas Podolski continues to be linked with Arsenal © PA Photos
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Cologne striker Lukas Podolski has brushed aside speculation that a €13 million [£10.9m] move has been agreed with Premier League club Arsenal.

Podolski has been strongly linked with a move to the Emirates this summer as Cologne, who are currently 14th in the Bundesliga, continue their relegation battle. The German international, though, insists an agreement has not yet been reached between the two clubs despite widespread reports he is due to team up with Arsene Wenger's side.

"Contrary to reports from the past few days, nothing has been decided yet," Podolski told German Sky Sports. "If there is something to report, then I'll do it."

The 26-year-old's comments were supported by former Cologne sporting director Volker Finke, who hinted that talks had taken place over Podolski's future but that a final decision had not yet been made at the RheinEnergieStadion.

"The final die is not yet cast," said Finke. "It's part of the business and so it is generally agreed that only when the die is cast and everything is signed - when it comes to a transfer, as it is being discussed in the newspapers - only then can the parties involved make comments. It is still not settled and therefore we have no comment."

Finke left the club by mutual consent after Saturday's 1-0 victory over Hertha Berlin. Podolski, meanwhile, is facing the possiblility of a three-match ban after being shown a red card in Cologne's win.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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