Podolski
Lukas Podolski appears to be headed to Arsenal next season. musclejocks.blogspot.com

Fresh off a valiant effort against AC Milan in Champions League, Arsenal are involved in growing speculation for a major upgrade in the 2012-2013 season.

One vital deal appears to be finalized, as Arsene Wenger may have found a solution to his reserve striker situation.

According to John Edwards of Daily Mail, forward Lukas Podolski is set to become a member of Arsenal player this summer, as Koln accepted a £10.9 million bid. The fee might be an enormous bargain for Arsenal, as some valuations had the German international rated well above £15 million.

Podolski will report to Arsenal at the end of the Bundesliga season and will sign a four-year deal worth over £100,000 a week. Podolski has been viewed as an insurance policy against Robin van Persie being moved in the off-season amid stalled contract-extension negotiations.

However, Arsenal have apparently made strides on that front, as well.

Daily Mail recently reported that Arsenal will offer an unprecedented salary to van Persie, thought to be worth in excess of £150,000 a week, which is far more than was previously expected.

According to Sky Sports, Ajax's Jan Vertonghen wants to play in the Premier League, and it may come down to either Arsenal or Newcastle. The 24-year-old Belgian centre back can also play defensive midfielder, which would be an ideal situation for the Gunners, as the club need both an additional centre back and a reserve defensive midfielder for Alex Song.

Vertonghen may favour a deal to Arsenal, as he would be partnered with fellow Belgian centre back Thomas Vermaelen, who also played for Ajax and is capable of playing left back. Furthermore, Vertonghen would probably be interested in playing in Champions League, and the Gunners are currently ahead of Newcastle in the Premier League.

Centre back is expected to be addressed by Arsenal this summer. The Gunners are without Per Mertesacker for months, and the club appear to over-rely on Laurent Koscielny. Vermaelen has battled his share of injuries, and the same goes for left backs Kieran Gibbs and Andre Santos.

Though the Gunners seem to have the striker opening taken care of, The Sun reported that Wenger is considering making a move for Peter Odemwingie. The 30-year-old West Bromwich forward is having a solid season and has shown consistency in goal-scoring over his career. Odemwingie was linked to both Arsenal and Tottenham in the summer, and had expressed interest in leaving for a more competitive club.