London, England – Arsenal announced on Monday that the club has completed its anticipated move for Cologne striker Lukas Podolski, who will join the Gunners on a long-term contract for an undisclosed fee.
Podolski will join Arsenal this summer after tallying 18 goals in 28 Bundesliga appearances for Cologne this season.
"We are delighted to secure the deal for Lukas and see him as an important part of our future," Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said. "He is a top-class player, a very good finisher and a proven performer at the club and international level. He is a very strong player and will provide us with good attacking options.
"We are happy to have made this signing early and we are looking forward to watching Lukas contribute at the European Championship over the summer, a level where he has already made 95 caps at the age of 26. That is a phenomenal record and just shows his quality as a player."
After beginning his career with Cologne, Podolski moved to Bayern Munich for three seasons before returning in 2009 and establishing himself as one of the top strikers in the Bundesliga.
The 26-year-old has also starred for Germany on the international level, scoring 43 times in 95 matches for his country.
"I'm so happy to be joining Arsenal Football Club and to play in the Premier League," Podolski said. "Arsenal is one of the top clubs in Europe with a huge history. There are many top quality players at Arsenal and the style of football which the team plays is fantastic. I'm proud to become an Arsenal player and am looking forward to playing my first match at Emirates Stadium and doing my best for all the Arsenal fans."
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