Schalke show interest in FC Koln’s Lukas Podolski - Bundesliga News
The 2009/10 Champions League semi-finalists, Schalke, have recently shown interest in FC Koln striker, Lukas Podolski. The striker is tipped to be the perfect replacement for the former Real Madrid striker, Raul Gonzalez, whose contract with the club is
set to expire at the end of this season.
Schalke CEO, Clemens Tonnies, confirmed of the club’s interest in the striker and hinted at making an offer at the end of this season. He told that the Royal Blues are currently monitoring Podolski’s progress at Koln and would come up with a final decision
prior to the opening of next year’s summer transfer window.
Tonnies was all at praise for the striker and tipped him to be the perfect replacement for Raul. He was of the view that the German international would fit in the Spaniard’s shoes quickly compared to players from abroad who would find it difficult adjusting
to German conditions.
He also believed that apart from Bayern Munich’s Mario Gomez, Podolski is currently the only striker in Germany who has been consistent throughout. He opined that the Billy Goats officials have been rather harsh on the 26-year-old this term despite the fact
that the player has already grabbed 13 league goals this campaign from just the 14 appearances.
The chairman was confident of recruiting the German, adding that Podolski’s arrival only depends on his fitness. He further said that should the attacker stay fit for the remaining campaign, Schalke would definitely make an attractive offer to the Billy
Goats officials.
While talking to Bild, Tonnies further enthused:
"Yes, we are paying attention to Podolski's situation. Lukas Podolski is a great player. He is fast, a goal threat, and has potential for development."
Koln have reportedly put a 25 million Euro price tag on the attacker, and one of the interested parties have already agreed to pay 23 million Euros for the German. English Premier League side Arsenal are also fighting it out for Podolski’s transfer.
Apart from his 13 league goals this season, Podolski has bagged 28 goals in total for the club until now from 73 appearances.
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