Podolski confirms move to Arsenal

The Germany international, who has been linked with a move to north London for several months and joins for an undisclosed fee, said: "The move to Arsenal provides a great opportunity for me to gain experience in international competitions at a top European club.

"I have made this decision not against FC Kšln, but for this great opportunity and the good of my own individual development. This was not an easy decision for me at all, as Kšln, our fans and the city are something special for me. I will always carry FC Kšln in my heart. We need to pool our strengths now and have to be fully focused on our survival in the Bundesliga."