Striker deal done

Cologne have finally confirmed that German international striker Lukas Podolski will join Arsenal for the start of next season.

The capture of Podolski has been the worst kept secret but the German club have today come clean to their supporters and have announced the deal on their website.
The deal was done weeks ago but Cologne were always reluctant to announce anything as they battle to stay in the Bundesliga. However they have today admitted the deal is done and Podolski will join the Gunners for a fee in the region of £10million.
The 26-year-old is looking forward to a new challenge but told the Cologne supporters the club will always be in his heart.
"The move to Arsenal provides a great opportunity for me to gain experience in international competitions at a top European club," he told the club's website.
"I have made this decision not against Cologne but for this great opportunity and the good of my own individual development.
"This was not an easy decision for me at all, as Cologne, our fans and the city are something special for me. I will always carry Cologne in my heart. We need to pool our strengths now and have to be fully focused on our survival in the Bundesliga."
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is keen to take the pressure off Robin van Persie and will be hoping that Podolski, who has bagged 18 goals this season, will do just that.