Lukas Podolski "very interested" in Arsenal

Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker has revealed that he has been in contact with Germany striker Lukas Podolski over a possible move to the Emirates.

The Koln frontman has been linked to the North London side since January but has refused to be drawn on speculation.

Despite the 26-year-old's silence, the striker's national teammate Mertesacker has claimed that he has been trying to convince Podolski to make the move to the Premier League.

"He has been very interested in the past few weeks, and has sent me a number of text messages," Goal.com quotes Mertesacker as saying.

"I've told him that this is a great place to work and that Arsenal are an amazing club. Nothing has been agreed on yet though, and Lukas hasn't given me a ring yet. That will all happen in tranquility."

Meanwhile, the Gunners will be determined to reach fourth spot in the league after crashing out of the Champions League last night.