Summer Transfer Signing

Arsenal sign Germany striker Lukas Podolski London: Germany forward Lukas Podolski confirmed one of the worst-kept secrets in European football when he announced on Monday that he will be leaving Cologne to join Arsenal this summer for an undisclosed fee.

The 26-year-old Podolski will add proven, international class to an Arsenal strikeforce that has been reliant on the goalscoring exploits of Robin van Persie in a turbulent campaign this season.

"The transfer gives me the possibility to play at international level in a top European club," Podolski, who has scored 43 goals in 95 appearances for Germany, told Cologne's website.

"I did not decide against Cologne but for a great chance regarding my own sports development," he added. "This was not an easy decision for me at all as Cologne, our fans and the city are special to me."...more    
05:51 PM, Apr 30, 2012