• Premier League

Podolski deal could happen soon - Wenger

ESPN staff
March 23, 2012
Lukas Podolski's high wages are reportedly heaping strain on Cologne's finances © Getty Images
Enlarge

Arsene Wenger has dismissed reports that Cologne striker Lukas Podolski has undergone a medical at Arsenal - but says the transfer "could happen soon".

Several media outlets have claimed for a while now that an agreement is in place for Podolski to join the Gunners over the summer in a £10.9 million transfer.

Podolski, whose current deal expires in 2013, has been discussed as a potential replacement for Arsenal captain Robin van Persie, who is out of contract at the same time and is believed to be interesting Manchester City.

However, the waters were muddied earlier this month when Podolski appeared cool on the prospect of a move to London, and instead suggested he would be keen to link up with Germany team-mate Miroslav Klose at Lazio.

And Wenger is remaining coy as to whether or not he thinks he will be able to call on Podolski next season. "Nothing is done, he has not had a medical," Wenger said. "The deal could happen soon, it could happen later.

"It is always a concern [someone else may swoop for him]. The speed in which you do things is important, but at the end of the day it is always the player who makes the decision.

"We will not be big in the market a lot [over the summer], quantity-wise. We can only have 25 players in the squad."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices