OFFICIAL: Arsenal complete first January transfer deal

Arsenal have successfully completed their first January transfer deal after the winter transfer window was opened on the 3rd of January.

This news is not what first came to your mind when you saw the post title. Arsenal didn't sign a player but the deal happens to be an outgoing transfer deal which saw Arsenal forward Lukas Podolski sign a 6-month loan deal with Inter Milan, which means he will be in Italy till the end of the 2014/15 campaign. Inter Milan also have an option to make the move a permanent one at the end of his loan spell.

The 29-year old who had been unable to get adequate playtime at the Emirates Stadium was loaned out to Italian side Inter Milan after the German expressed how frustrated he was at Arsenal.

Not too long after Podolski signed for Inter Milan, he said;

“I am very happy [to be joining Inter]. I expect so much from this adventure. I know the Italian league very well. We are aiming to qualify for the Champions League and to win in the Europa League. I have spoken with Roberto Mancini, I think he is a great coach,”

Inter Milan manager Roberto Mancini also revealed that he has been a long time admirer of Podolski and believes that the acquisition of the German will be a great boost for his side.

"I know him quite well as a player, I followed him at Arsenal and at Bayern before," Mancini said.

"He's a strong player, naturally left-sided. He would be a great reinforcement."

We all at Arsenal wish him the best as he moves on with his career elsewhere. Although, the fans are saddened over this but there is a limit to what could be done when it comes to issues like this.