Arsenal Transfer News: German Striker Dismisses Exit Rumours

Striker Lukas Podolski has dismissed all speculations of him being unhappy and looking to make a move out of Arsenal this summer.

Although the German international admitted he would be interested in making a return to his former club Cologne, who have been promoted back to the Bundesliga, he seems to have changed his mind after Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger recently stated Podolski was in his plans for next season.

"As things stand today, I am an Arsenal player [and] it won't change. Going to London was the right step," Podolski told reporters at Germany's training base. "I had the chance to go to a big club and to play in the strongest league in the world. I am happy in the city, in the league, in the club. Those two years have been outstanding for me."

Despite injuries restricting him to only 21 games in all competitions this season, Podolski said he is satisfied with his overall performances especially after helping Arsenal secure their first piece of silverware since 2005 in the form of the FA Cup .

"If my bad injury hadn't stopped me for almost five months, it would have been a better season again. Nevertheless, I am satisfied. In the end, I was a regular starter, scored eight goals and had four assists in the league. It's nothing to sneeze at," added the 28-year-old.

"I am not someone that reduces himself only to the titles he won. Lukas Podolski doesn't change because he won a title but, of course, a title is something awesome - even more if it's in a foreign country and in such an important competition. Especially from the aspect that Arsenal hadn't won anything for nine years, this success was something special."

Meanwhile French fullback Bacary Sagna said he is certain of making a move out of Arsenal this summer despite confirming he has not accepted offers from any other club.

Although there were rumours of the 31-year-old moving to Premier League Champions Manchester City once his Arsenal contract expired, Sagna, who is currently busy training with the France national team for the 2014 World Cup, insisted he has not signed with any club.

"I have not signed with anybody, agreed with no-one," Sagna said. "All the English media are sending me to Manchester City, but I don't have any agreement with them or with anyone else. I have never set foot there.

"Several European and English clubs have contacted me. Certain talks have gone further than others and Manchester City are among them. But today, I'm still an Arsenal player. It would be good to have everything sorted out before the World Cup, on which I am now completely focused."

However, the French defender, who was unhappy after Arsenal refused to meet his wage demands, confirmed he is unlikely to continue at the Emirates next season.

"Today, there's a 90% chance I will leave and 10% that I will stay. I have been asking myself that question for a long time, and it's the time for a new challenge. Arsenal is an extraordinary club that has given me the chance to grow, both in sporting and human terms. It's a family club, I feel good here. I've had some very good years here," added Sagna.