Arsenal Transfer News: Lukas Podolski Passes Gunners Medical, Report

Lukas Podolski passed a medical at Arsenal on Tuesday, according to Daily Star reporter David Woods, as reported on Twitter by the Guardian and Sports Illustrated's well-respected German soccer expert, Raphael Honigstein.

It had been reported last week that the German international had agreed to a £10.9 million-deal to join the Gunners in the summer from Koln, and it appears that the transfer has taken another step closer to completion.

Arsenal's interest in Podolski had long been known and the forward was close to joining the Premier League side in January. On that occasion, though, Podolski elected to stay at Koln, rather than risk disruption to his form ahead of Euro 2012.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger would appear eager to get the deal for Podolski wrapped-up early rather than risk leaving transfer dealings until late in the transfer window as happened last summer.

Last August Wenger lost both Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri close to the August transfer deadline, meaning that he had to make several rushed-purchases to add to his depleted squad.

Arsenal will also be optimistic that securing at least one high-profile signing early will help demonstrate their intent to star-striker Robin van Persie. The Dutchman has postponed talks on a new contract, which expires in the summer of 2013, presumably waiting to see what changes are made to the Arsenal squad in the summer.

Podolski has been in excellent form for his German club this season. The 26-year-old--who can operate either as a left-sided forward, or a central striker--has scored 16 times in the Bundesliga.

Podolski also has an exceptional record for the German national team. In 95 appearances for his country, Polish-born Podolski has scored 43 times.

Arsenal's eagerness to get the signing completed now may also be their fear that Podolski's transfer value will go up, should he have an impressive European Championships this summer.