In demand: Arsenal are closing on Podolski after the German agreed terms
Caught the eye: Arsenal are also interested in Blackburn midfielder Nzonzi***
Arsenal are closing in on the transfer of Germany striker Lukas Podolski, who has agreed terms to move to the Emirates.
Sportsmail revealed earlier this month that Arsenal were eager to rebuild, and bidding for Podolski and Germany midfielder and team-mate Mario Gotze is a good start.
While Borussia Dortmund are in no mood to let 19-year-old rising star Gotze leave, Cologne are resigned to losing Podolski and believe he is bound for the Emirates in the summer.
It is understood the 26-year old is happy with the terms on offer at Arsenal and a deal can go through at the end of the season, provided a fee can be agreed.
Cologne are ready to dig their heels in and demand around £15million after being left unimpressed by Arsenal's valuation of £8m.
The Bundesliga side are bracing themselves for some hard bargaining with their north London counterparts but sense Podolski will be spearheading Arsenal's attack next season.
Some high-profile signings would help under-fire Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger stave off a growing rebellion among supporters and dispel any misgivings Van Persie may have about committing himself to the club beyond a contract that runs out at the end of next season.
Polish-born Podolski is in his second spell at Cologne, after a three-year stay at Bayern Munich, and has impressed on the international stage.
The Gunners are also plotting a move for Blackburn midfielder Steven Nzonzi.
The former France Under 21 midfielder has been a rare bright spot in a woeful season for Rovers.
Nzonzi's displays for Steve Kean's struggling side have caught the eye of the Gunners' scouts.
Senior Arsenal scouts will now step up their plans to launch a summer move by having the 23-year-old watched on a regular basis between now and the end of the season.
Arsenal are also keeping close tabs on Nzonzi's team-mate Junior Hoilett, whose contract expires in the summer.
Daily Mail
Sportsmail revealed earlier this month that Arsenal were eager to rebuild, and bidding for Podolski and Germany midfielder and team-mate Mario Gotze is a good start.
While Borussia Dortmund are in no mood to let 19-year-old rising star Gotze leave, Cologne are resigned to losing Podolski and believe he is bound for the Emirates in the summer.
It is understood the 26-year old is happy with the terms on offer at Arsenal and a deal can go through at the end of the season, provided a fee can be agreed.
Cologne are ready to dig their heels in and demand around £15million after being left unimpressed by Arsenal's valuation of £8m.
The Bundesliga side are bracing themselves for some hard bargaining with their north London counterparts but sense Podolski will be spearheading Arsenal's attack next season.
Some high-profile signings would help under-fire Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger stave off a growing rebellion among supporters and dispel any misgivings Van Persie may have about committing himself to the club beyond a contract that runs out at the end of next season.
Polish-born Podolski is in his second spell at Cologne, after a three-year stay at Bayern Munich, and has impressed on the international stage.
The Gunners are also plotting a move for Blackburn midfielder Steven Nzonzi.
The former France Under 21 midfielder has been a rare bright spot in a woeful season for Rovers.
Nzonzi's displays for Steve Kean's struggling side have caught the eye of the Gunners' scouts.
Senior Arsenal scouts will now step up their plans to launch a summer move by having the 23-year-old watched on a regular basis between now and the end of the season.
Arsenal are also keeping close tabs on Nzonzi's team-mate Junior Hoilett, whose contract expires in the summer.
Daily Mail
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