Arsenal 'target' Lukas Podolski set for Cologne exit

Lukas Podolski has been linked with Arsenal (GETTY IMAGES)

Cologne coach Stale Solbakken admits Lukas Podolski could leave the Bundesliga side at the end of the current season.

Podolski has been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal after scoring 15 goals for the German side this campaign.

The 26-year-old was reported to have been a target for the Gunners in January and the Barclays Premier League club appear to be willing to make another bid for the forward this summer.

Podolski is out of contract in the summer of 2013 but Solbakken hinted his star striker may leave the club after the current season.

"Lukas is currently an FC Cologne player," Solbakken was quoted as saying on Der Spiegel's website.

"We know that he will be until the end of the season. Then we have to see what happens."

Podolski was born in Poland but has been a regular part of the Germany squad for the last eight years and has played in two World Cups and two European Championships.

He is currently in his second spell at Cologne after leaving Bayern Munich in 2009.

Solbakken hopes the forward, who can play up front or on the wing, does not allow the speculation about his future to affect his performances for the rest of the season.

"It is important that he has everything under control and can concentrate on the upcoming games," Solbakken said.

PA