Cologne winger Lukas Podolski will join Arsenal for next season, the two clubs said Monday, ending months of speculation regarding the future of one of Germany's most exciting players. The 26-year-old, the relegation-threatened side's leading scorer this term with 18 Bundesliga goals, has long been a target for several top European clubs and had a year left on his Cologne contract. An Arsenal statement said Podolski, who will join fellow Germany international Per Mertesacker at the London club, had agreed a long-term deal for an undisclosed fee. “This transfer gives me the opportunity to play for a top European club on an international level,” said Podolski.
