"We are delighted to secure the deal for Lukas and see him as an important part of our future," Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger said. "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 Championship 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."
Neither club disclosed the amount of the Podolski transfer, but it is believed he cost Arsenal around £10.9 million ($17.2 million). It is a small amount for a player of his pedigree and ability.
He made his debut for Germany's national team as a 19-year-old in 2004. He has played in every major tournament since then. His 43 international goals cement his status as an international star.
The only blip in his career was a three-year spell he spent at German powerhouse Bayern Munich. He failed to nail down an automatic place in the team, and returned to his hometown club in 2009.
Podolski has scored 18 goals in 28 Bundesliga games this season, but Cologne remains in danger of relegation. Podolski has vowed to prevent his hometown club from dropping into the second division.
"I am looking forward to becoming an Arsenal player, but at the moment my focus is with my current club, FC Cologne," Podolski said. "I will give everything I have until the end of season to make sure the team finish as high as possible in the Bundesliga. There will always be a place in my heart for FC Cologne."
Monday's announcement confirms a rumor we first reported in November 2011. Arsenal made two unsuccessful transfer bids — reportedly around £15-£17.5 million ($23.7-$27.7 million) — for a player it ended up signing for far less.
Podolski's signing is nothing short of transfer coup for the Gunners. Normally they rely on buying and developing young players, but Podolski is a world-class player with experience at the game's highest level.
It's likely that he will play a key role for Germany in this summer's European Championships. The Germans are one of the favorites to win the tournament, and Podolski should be a starter at forward or on the left wing.
He should have over 100 international games under his belt when he joins Arsenal in the preseason.
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Thumbnail photo via Flickr/LizNN7
