Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has admitted that he is "delighted" to have secured the services of Lukas Podolski.

The German international's current club FC Cologne confirmed earlier today that the 26-year-old would be joining the Gunners in the summer.

Discussing the striker's credentials, Wenger believes that he has signed an "important part" of the club's future.

"We are delighted to secure the deal for Lukas and see him as an important part of our future," Wenger told the club's official website. "He is a top-class player, a very good finisher and a proven performer at club and international level. He is a very strong player and will provide us with good attacking options.

"We are happy to have made this signing early and we are looking forward to watching Lukas contribute at the European Championships over the summer, a level where he has already made 95 caps at the age of 26.

"That is a phenomenal record and just shows his quality as a player."

Podolski has scored 18 goals from 28 outings in the Bundesliga this season.