29-year-old to end Arsenal career next week
Lukas Podolski is preparing to say goodbye to Arsenal for good.
The German international spent the second half of the season on loan with Inter Milan where he struggled to make an impression under the guidance of former Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini.
Podolski only managed to score once in 16 appearances for Inter Milan as the Serie A giants failed to secure Champions League qualification for yet another season.
The 29-year-old is now set to return to London after Inter end their campaign with a home match against Empoli on Sunday.
And according to reports from Sport Mediaset, Podolksi is likely to fly to Istanbul for a medical next week ahead of a permanent transfer to Galatasaray.
The forward had a year left on his Arsenal contract but with the likes of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Serge Gnabry, Theo Walcott, Joel Campbell and Alexis Sanchez providing stiff competition, Podolski’s future at the club has been uncertain.
Another man on the move could be Joel Campbell who is currently in talks with David Moyes’ Real Sociedad over a transfer deal.
With Yaya Sanogo and Carl Jenkinson also set to return from their loan spells, there will be more decisions to be made by Arsene Wenger in his expected summer clear-out.
I’m really disappointed it hasn’t worked out for him. He is heaps better than Campbell and Sanogo. That terrific left foot and the way he embraced life in London will always keep me a fan. Good luck wherever you go. Keep smiling, Poldi!