Serie A club Inter Milan are slated to sign Arsenal striker Lukas Podolski on a loan deal till the rest of the 2014/15 season. Contrary to previous reports, the London club have agreed to let the German go to Italy after the Nerazzurri submitted an increased bid on Thursday.
Podolski has scored 19 goals in 60 Premier League appearances for the Gunners since moving there in 2012, and the forward has repeatedly made demands in recent months to be given more first-team action.
The erstwhile World Cup star for Germany landed in Milan on Friday night to a warm welcome, and is scheduled to undergo a medical test on Saturday. The transfer is to be completed on Monday when the transfer window opens in Italy, and will possibly make his debut on Tuesday night when Inter Milan travel to face Juventus.
Warm reception at Inter Milan
"I am very happy to be joining Inter," Podolski told reporters."I expect so much from this adventure. I know the Italian league very well. We are aiming to qualify for the Champions League and to win in the Europa League."I have spoken with Mancini and I think he is a great coach."
The 29-year-old thanked Arsenal fans on his official Instagram account for the support he was given in his time in England, but is excited about a new stint in Italy.