ARSENAL TRANSFER NEWS: Gunners in Talks With Podolski?

With the January transfer period less than a month away, Arsenal are reportedly looking to unload some players who may have overstayed their welcome, and perhaps make a run at some high-profile talent.

One prominent forward that the Gunners may be targeting is Koln's Lukas Podolski. Several British publications and Web sites, including Metro and Daily Mirror, have linked Arsenal to the German star in recent months, as Robin van Persie may move on from Emirates when his contract is up in 2013.

Podolski, however, says there has been no contact between his agent and Arsenal, though he had praise for the club.

Arsenal are a top club. They have a good team and play with the best in England, Podolski told Bild, according to ESPN. Still, there have been no talks.

Podolski's contract is up at the end of the season and has said he has considered leaving Koln. The 26-year-old might be the most sought-after goal scorer this off-season.

The Gunners certainly want to re-sign van Persie to a contract extension, but still need help up front, aside from the Dutch star. There has been talk since September about moving forward Marouane Chamakh in January. Several clubs outside the Premier League have shown interest in the Moroccan, who has been used sparingly by Arsene Wenger this season.

The question dogging Arsenal continues to be money. The famed London club have never shelled out £20 million for a player, and someone like Podolski may be valued in that range. Many are curious to see whether the Gunners finally decided to spend on a world-class star.

Koln recently denied Lokomotiv Moscow's offer for Podolski. According to Metro, Tottenham and Lazio are also interested in Podolski.

Wenger may be pressured pursue top talent in January if the Gunners go on a scoring drought, and if van Persie's talks don't progress.

Other possible candidates to bolster the attack include Senegal forward Moussa Sow and Montenegro striker Stevan Jovetic.