COLOGNE STRIKER LUKAS Podolski has played down suggestions he has agreed to join Arsenal in the summer.
Reports on Wednesday had claimed the 26-year-old was on his way to the Emirates Stadium after a fee and personal terms had been successfully negotiated, but the forward insists such a move is not yet complete after choosing to clarify his position.
“Contrary to reports from the past few days, nothing has been decided yet,” Podolski told German Sky Sports.
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“If there is something to report, then I’ll do it.”
Podolski’s sentiments were also echoed by former Cologne sporting director Volker Finke, who did not deny talks had occurred over a potential transfer, but opted to stay coy when quizzed on the details of the deal itself.
“The final die is not yet cast,” said Finke, who left the club by mutual consent after Saturday’s 1-0 win over Hertha Berlin.
“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.”
In addition, Podolski faces a possibly three-match ban after being shown a red card during Cologne’s victory on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Robin van Persie has provisionally agreed to a contract offer from Premier League leaders Man City, according to Sunday Times and The National journalist Duncan Castles.
The player is believed to have agreed to a deal worth in the region of £10.9 million a year – an offer that would make him the club’s highest earner after Carlos Tevez.
However, the deal is far from a formality, with Arsenal yet to agree on a transfer fee with City for the Dutch international.
Van Persie has been in excellent form this season, scoring 25 goals in 27 games.
'Nothing has been decided yet' - Podolski denies Arsenal reports
COLOGNE STRIKER LUKAS Podolski has played down suggestions he has agreed to join Arsenal in the summer.
Reports on Wednesday had claimed the 26-year-old was on his way to the Emirates Stadium after a fee and personal terms had been successfully negotiated, but the forward insists such a move is not yet complete after choosing to clarify his position.
“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.”
Podolski’s sentiments were also echoed by former Cologne sporting director Volker Finke, who did not deny talks had occurred over a potential transfer, but opted to stay coy when quizzed on the details of the deal itself.
In addition, Podolski faces a possibly three-match ban after being shown a red card during Cologne’s victory on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Robin van Persie has provisionally agreed to a contract offer from Premier League leaders Man City, according to Sunday Times and The National journalist Duncan Castles.
The player is believed to have agreed to a deal worth in the region of £10.9 million a year – an offer that would make him the club’s highest earner after Carlos Tevez.
However, the deal is far from a formality, with Arsenal yet to agree on a transfer fee with City for the Dutch international.
Van Persie has been in excellent form this season, scoring 25 goals in 27 games.
Mancini admitted he was impressed by the striker’s form earlier this week, telling reporters: “I think Van Persie at this moment is one of the best strikers in Europe with (Lionel) Messi, (Cristiano) Ronaldo and with Sergio (Aguero) and Mario (Balotelli).”
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Arsenal Cologne Lukas Podolski Man City Robin van Persie Speculation Volker Finke