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Lukas Podolski has scored 15 goals for Cologne in the Bundesliga this season. (FILE)
Experienced German striker Lukas Podolski is close to joining English Premier League side Arsenal from Cologne German daily Bild claimed on its website on Tuesday.
The 26-year-old - capped 95 times and a veteran of two World Cups and Euro 2008 - has apparently already agreed personal terms with Arsenal, though, the two clubs have yet to agree a fee.
Podolski's contract with Cologne, a club he adores as he grew up in the city after his family moved there from Poland, runs till 2013 and the Bundesliga outfit had been trying to get him to sign an extension.
Cologne are ready to dig their heels in and demand around £15 million after being left unimpressed by Arsenal's valuation of £8 million.
The Bundesliga side are bracing themselves for some hard bargaining with their north London counterparts but sense Podolski will be spearheading Arsenal's attack next season.
Although presently out injured he has scored 15 goals out of the 30 the club has netted in the Bundesliga, in which they lie fifth from bottom and battling against relegation.
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