Podolski done deal for Arsenal's title charge

Arsenal clinched the £10.9 million switch for Germany striker Lukas Podolski over the weekend despite conflicting reports from both camps.

Arsene Wenger has denied suggestions that a deal for the 26-year-old Cologne player has already been completed while Podolski was not willing to confirm he had agree personal terms.

However, the Daily Mail confirms the Gunners chiefs flew to Cologne on Friday to meet with chiefs from the Bundesliga club to finally complete the deal.

And Podolski will sign a four-year deal, worth £100,000-per-week, with the Emirates club at the end of the season after both club's finalised the finer details of the transfer.

Arsenal will announce the swoop for Podolski towards the end of the season.

The hot-headed striker was at the centre of controversy after being sent off for aiming a headbutt at Hertha Berlin defender Levan Kobiashvili during Cologne’s 1-0 win on Saturday.

Podolski could end his spell at Cologne with a lengthy ban. He was also involved in a touchline bust-up with Cologne boss Stale Solbakken and his fiery antics could make him a perfect fit for the Premier League.

Podolski said: “I have seen the incident again in the dressing room and I think everybody has seen that it was definitely not a red card.”