Bierhoff: Podolski should join Arsenal

Former Germany striker Oliver Bierhoff has backed Lukas Podolski to join Arsenal.

The Cologne forward, whose current deal ends in 2013, has been linked with a summer move to the Gunners.

Coach Stale Solbakken has also suggested that the 26-year-old could leave the Bundesliga club at the end of the season.

"The heart of Podolski belongs to Cologne," Bierhoff told Express. "But he's now at an age where he has to think about his future.

"For Podolski [Arsenal] would be a good place [to play], because Arsene Wenger is an outstanding coach, who could bring Lukas to a next level."

Podolski has scored 15 goals in 18 league appearances this season.