Wenger cools Podolski capture talk

Arsene Wenger has denied reports that he has completed the signing of Cologne’s Germany international Lukas Podolski and sees no reason why Robin van Persie should leave Arsenal.
It was reported earlier in the week that the Gunners had finalised the capture of the 26-year-old

Podolski, who would move to the Emirates Stadium in the summer for £11million.
Some immediately suggested that his arrival would replace top scorer betting favourite van Persie, who has just over a year left on his contract at the Emirates.
However, Wenger was coy on the subject of the Poland-born forward, and would only say: "I have not a lot to say about that because if we sign a player we will inform you. At the moment we have not signed anybody. There is still no agreement.
"The distance to the agreement is not always linked with the signing. When you are very close you are quickly very far again, but Podolski is a good player, I wouldn't deny that."
Podolski has a superb goalscoring record at international level, finding the net 43 times for his country in 95 appearances.
However, he is in his second spell with relegation-threatened Cologne after returning to the club just over three years ago after a disappointing spell with Bayern Munich.
Meanwhile, Wenger remains optimistic that van Persie, who has been linked with a summer switch to
Manchester City after scoring 32 goals for Arsenal already this season, could opt to stay at the Emirates Stadium, despite the football betting suggesting the contrary.
Wenger said of the 28-year-old Netherlands international striker: "Robin is the leader of our club and I would just like to specify that he is not at the end of his contract.
"He is under contract until 2013. So you do your job, focus on your job which he does very well and enjoy your games."