Cologne 'aware' of Arsenal interest in Podolski

FC Cologne know Arsenal have been tracking Lukas Podolski, it has been claimed.

The German striker has been in fine form this season; netting on 10 occasions in 14 appearances for club and country and, as ever, is being linked with a move away from the RheinEnergieStadion.

According to reports, Arsene Wenger sent Arsenal scouts to watch Podolski on Friday night as he scours the market for support for Robin van Persie.

And a source at the Bundesliga club confirmed the Gunners had indeed been monitoring the 26-year-old former Bayern Munich forward over the weekend.

“We are aware Arsenal are watching Podolski and they were at Friday’s game," the source told the Daily Express.

Wenger is said to have identified the acquisition of another goalscorer as a January priority as he attempts to life the workload on van Persie.

The Arsenal captain has scored 21 goals in 23 games this term, and will be rested for the Carling Cup clash with Manchester City on Tuesday night.