The agent of Arsenal F.C. forward Lukas Podolski, Ali Pektas, has played down reports linking the player with a move to the Italian Serie A.
The Germany international, 29, has been linked with a move away from the Emirates Stadium this summer, with speculation suggesting Italian sides Napoli and Juventus are interested in the 29-year-old.
Turkish giants Galatasaray are also reportedly keeping tabs on Podolski, who was not included in the Gunners’ squad at the weekend.
Th arrival of Alexis Sanchez from Barcelona has pushed the 29-year-old further down Arsene Wenger’s pecking order and it is now believed the player’s days in North London are numbered.
“I read in the newspapers that Juventus and Napoli were interested in Lukas,” Pektas told tuttomercatoweb.it.
“But there has been no approach from either of those clubs.
“I don’t know if he will go to Italy in this transfer window. I can’t say anything for sure.
“The only certainty is that Lukas has a contract with Arsenal.”
Podolski, whose current contract with Arsenal expires in the summer of 2016, bagged eight goals and two assists in 20 English Premier League appearances, albeit just 14 starts, for the Gunners last term.
Spurs want Federico Fazio
Sevilla FC sporting director Monchi has revealed Tottenham Hotspur are willing to meet the release clause in Federico Fazio’s contract.
Spurs, who are set to lose Michael Dawson to Hull City, are currently sitting atop the Premier League table with six points and goal difference of plus-five through two games.
Newly appointed boss Mauricio Pochettino saw a deal for compatriot Mateo Musacchio fall through earlier this month, but the manager has now turned his attention to another Argentina international.
Tottenham are expected to offer Fazio a significant bump in weekly-wages, which will likely force Sevilla to sell their captain.
“It seems that Tottenham is willing to pay the [release] clause,” Monchi told reporters.
“We are waiting to see the money in the Football League. We are not going to negotiate with anyone because our desire is to keep Fazio in Sevilla.
“Two months ago we talked about his renewal, but it was not possible. When an English team appears interested in one of our players it is difficult because they can multiply player salaries.
“We tried to renew him since last season but the distances were huge even if we were hoping to make a new deal.”
Since arriving in Andalusia in 2007, Fazio has made 148 appearances for the Sevillistas.
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
