Skip to content

Transfer news: Lukas Podolski on brink of loan move to Inter Milan

Lukas Podolski arrives to a mob of Inter supporters
Image: Lukas Podolski: Loan deal a step closer

Arsenal forward Lukas Podolski is on the brink of joining Inter Milan on loan for the rest of the season, according to Sky sources.

Sky Italia reported on Saturday that Podolski had completed his medical, and the deal is now expected to go through without a hitch.

The German World Cup winner was pictured holding an Inter scarf shortly after flying to Italy on Friday, and on Saturday he posted a social media message of thanks to Arsenal supporters.

"I can't express in words my gratitude towards Arsenal fans for all they have done for me in my years in London!" he said.

"Please know my heart always holds a place for you. I've loved every minute playing for Arsenal and I hope I have left my mark on the club and fans alike. Hopefully we shall meet again!"

Podolski has started just twice this season - neither time in the Premier League - and Arsene Wenger has apparently now sanctioned a move after initially branding Inter's interest "a joke".

Speaking after Arsenal’s New Year’s Day defeat at Southampton, Wenger said: “The first proposal was farcical. They came back a bit more serious."

More from Transfer Headlines

Podolski joined Arsenal from Cologne in the summer of 2012 and has scored 31 goals in 82 appearances, but Wenger has been reluctant to use him in a central role and his starts have been limited by the arrivals of Alexis Sanchez and Danny Welbeck.

Another Arsenal foward who could be on the move is Yaya Sanogo, the France U21 striker who has been linked with QPR and Crystal Palace.

Wenger is on record as saying he would prefer Sanogo to join an English club on loan, but Bordeaux this week emerged as potential candidates for his signature.

The French club's manager, asked about a possible deal for the 21-year-old, said: "I hope it is on the right road."

Around Sky