Podolski denies agreement with Arsenal

Cologne striker Lukas Podolski has played down suggestions he has agreed to join Arsenal in the summer.

Reports on Wednesday had claimed the 26-year-old was on his way to the Emirates Stadium after a fee and personal terms had been successfully negotiated, but the forward insists such a move is not yet complete after choosing to clarify his position.

“Contrary to reports from the past few days, nothing has been decided yet,” Podolski told German Sky Sports.

“If there is something to report, then I’ll do it.”

Podolski’s sentiments were also echoed by former Cologne sporting director Volker Finke, who did not deny talks had occurred over a potential transfer, but opted to stay coy when quizzed on the details of the deal itself.

“The final die is not yet cast,” said Finke, who left the club by mutual consent after Saturday’s 1-0 win over Hertha Berlin.

“It’s part of the business and so it is generally agreed that only when the die is cast and everything is signed – when it comes to a transfer, as it is being discussed in the newspapers – only then can the parties involved make comments. ”

“It is still not settled and therefore we have no comment.”

Meanwhile, Podolski faces a possibly three-match ban after being shown a red card during Cologne’s victory on Saturday.