LUKAS PODOLSKI HAS said that “hell will freeze over” before he can be persuaded to leave Arsenal for bitter north London rivals Tottenham. Podolski has made just one start for Arsenal this season and is widely expected to pursue a move away in the January transfer window, having admitted earlier this month that he is “not happy” with his lack of playing time.

But when BBC Sport tweeted a rumour of a possible £10 million (€12m) move to north London rivals Tottenham in the New Year, the Germany international was unequivocal in his response.

Only five players in history have moved directly from Arsenal to Tottenham, with William Gallas becoming the most recent example when he swapped the Emirates Stadium for White Hart Lane on a free transfer in the summer of 2010.

David Bentley and Emmanuel Adebayor have also played for both clubs, while Sol Campbell completed the most acrimonious move across the divide when he joined the Gunners in the summer of 2001 and was subsequently labelled a “Judas” by Spurs fans.

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