Podolski quits Cologne for Arsenal

German international striker Lukas Podolski will leave Cologne for English Premier League side Arsenal at the start of the 2012/2013 season, the Bundesliga club announced on Monday. Podolski, 26, joined struggling Cologne from Bayern Munich in 2009. No details of the contract were given by Cologne who are 16th in the Bundesliga, however press reports estimate the transfer at 13 million euros. "This transfer gives me the chance to play at an international level in one of the top European clubs," said Podolski, who has 95 caps for the national team. "This wasn't an easy decision for me because the club, the fans and the city really mean a lot to me. Cologne will always remain in my heart." Podolski, who has played 180 matches and scored 86 goals, will join Germany teammate Per Mertesacker in Arsenal.