Agent of Arsenal FC forward Lukas Podolski has confirmed that the German international will join Galatasaray this summer.
According to German media Bild, Galatasaray have completed the signing of 30-year-old forward on a three-year contract, for a fee of a 4 million. Both the clubs are expected to make the official announcement in the upcoming days.
Lukas Podolski lost his regular place in the starting line-up since the 2013-14 season before being sent out on loan to Inter Milan in the winter transfer window last season. The German international, who has made 125 appearances for his national team, had a disappointing stay in Italy as he made only eight starts in Serie A for Inter. The 30-year-olda s form and confidence has diminished alarmingly in the last two years.
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Podolski is now keen to gain regular first team action once again, something he wona t receive at the Emirates next season. The German has fallen down the pecking order and has now joined the Turkish club to revive his career. His agent, Nassim Touihri has confirmed the move and insisted that although Wenger wanted to retain the German international, he couldna t guarantee him a place in the starting line-up.
“We had very good talks with Wenger.
“He wanted to keep Lukas, but couldna t give him a guarantee that he will be starter. That’s why we agreed on a transfer.a a Podolskia s agent told Bild.
Initial reports suggested that the Turkish club were unwilling to pay the same wage that the German has been receiving at Arsenal, and were hoping that he will take a pay cut to just A?41k per week. The wages which has been agreed between both the parties hasna t been revealed yet.
Podolskia s departure is part of the summer clear out at the Emirates. Mathieu Flamini, Yaya Sanogo and David Ospina are likely to join him as well. This will clear up space in the squad, and the wage bill, for new arrivals this summer, which has already started with the signing of Petr Cech from Chelsea.
Podolski to Galatasaray! A club that will play in the Championsleague. And @Podolski10 will get games to play further for Germany.
a Jan Aage Fjortoft (@JanAageFjortoft) July 2, 2015
Arsenal have effectively swapped Podolski’s A?100k-a-week wages for A?ech’s in matter of a few days. ArsA?ne Wenger balances books again. #AFC
a Michael Gooner (@MickTheGooner) July 2, 2015
