Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has always been reluctant to spend big money on established players, but he has now splashed the cash on German international Lukas Podolski. Arsenal recently revealed that they have now agreed a deal with Koln to sign Podolski in the summer for £ 10.9 million. Even though Arsenal might not have paid a huge transfer fee for the player, many have been suggesting that the arrival of Podolski signals a lot of intent from Arsenal. Wenger has once again reiterated at the same fact that saying that the signing of Podolski will be a clue to star striker Robin van Persie that the club is heading in the right direction.

Robin van Persie has been linked with a move away from Arsenal in the summer. It is thought that Manchester City will be making a £ 30 million offer for the player in the summer, who has just one year left on his current contract. As a result, Arsenal will be tempted into selling him just as they did with French playmaker Samir Nasri last summer. However, Wenger reckons that Podolski’s arrival will be a major coup for Arsenal because it not only provides them with the option, but it will also help them persuade van Persie to sign a new contract.

“Great players like to be with great players, so it helps always to get them in. First, we want Robin to stay because he is convinced that we can play for the championship. I believe we have that. We have bought Podolski; our next step is to bring [Jack] Wilshere back, [Abou] Diaby back, then if you look at our squad I don’t feel we are behind anybody else,” said Arsene Wenger after confirming the signing of Lukas Podolski. Arsenal are in a race to finish in the top three right now.