Backpage Roundup: AC Milan, transfer rumours and Robin van Persie

On Tuesday night, after a heroic performance against AC Milan, Arsenal were knocked out of the Champions League. Virtually every backpage were full of praises, complimenting Arsene Wenger and his side. However, the majority were also quick to point out that the Gunners had already thrown it away, after such a poor performance in Milan. The papers also criticized the performance of Slovenian referee Damir Skomina, who had an absolute shocker at the Emirates on Tuesday night.

Earlier this week, reports in Germany were suggesting Arsenal are prepared to splash out £10.9m for the Lukas Podolski. The 26-year-old German, who has scored 16 goals for Köln this season,  is expected to sign for the Gunners on a four-year contract worth £100,000 a week.

Podolski will have to pass a medical and agree personal terms before the move can be completed in the summer.  After fighting off some tough competition, it looks like the Gunners have got their man. Reports have said that the Poland-born forward chose Arsenal, while turning down a big-money move to Russian Premier League side, Anzhi Makhachkala.

And no doubt, Arsene Wenger will be delighted by the signing of Lukas Podolski:

“We are interested in the best players in the world. Podolski is one of them”.

Once again, Mario Götze has been linked with a move to the red side of North London. Borussia Dortmund have slapped a £30m price tag on their 19-year-old. Like the Eden Hazard reports we keep hearing about, we’re certain we haven’t heard the last of this.

Reports are also suggesting that West Bromwich Albion’s Peter Odemwingie could be on his way to the Emirates this summer.

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini admitted that he likes Robin van Persie. Although the Italian was quick to say play down the move, stating that he reckons the Dutch forward will stay at Arsenal.

Tomorrow’s papers will suggest that Arsene Wenger will be happy to lose Robin van Persie on a Bosman, as long as he can keep his skipper for another year. The Dutch forward turns 30 in August 2013.