Arsenal striker Lukas Podolski set to join Inter on loan

According to multiple sources in London and Milan, Inter and Arsenal have completed negotiations for a deal involving Arsenal striker Lukas Podolski. The 29-year-old German international will be on his way to Milan tonight, where he will undergo a medical exam sometime over the weekend.

While the initial deal offered by Inter's Piero Ausilio was rejected by Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, the French coach confirmed earlier today that the Italian side had significantly improved their offer and that Podolski would likely be headed to the San Siro.

The agreement, as it stands now, will see Podolski join the Nerazzurri on loan for the rest of the season, with reported final figures for the deal fluctuating between £400,000 and £600,000. From Podolski's official site:

"The German striker will join the Italian club on a straight loan (no option to buy) for the rest of the season. They will pay the Gunners €600,000." "Inter and Arsenal will discuss Podolski's future once the loan deal expires."

To make things a little more clear, this deal does NOT contain an option to buy, and the two sides will meet again in June to work out that deal if Inter are interested at the end of the season. This deal is great news for Inter on the financial side, and honestly doesn't contain a ton of risk for the Nerazzurri should things not work out.

Roberto Mancini and Inter will want to see the transfer go through as quickly as possible and will be in a race to complete all the official paperwork so that Podolski will be available to play in Inter's upcoming match against Juventus on Tuesday.

How do y'all feel about this news? Do you think a move for Podolski was wise after losing out on Alessio Cerci to AC Milan? Or would you have rather seen another talent come in altogether? Sound off in the comments below.