Arsene Wenger has sanctioned Lukas Podolski's transfer, confirms agent

Lukas Podolski's agent Nassim Touihri has revealed that Arsene Wenger wanted to keep the German at the club, but failed to come to a consensus with the player over his demand for game time.

The former Bayern Munich forward is set to leave the club for a move to Galatasaray, having spent the better part of last season on loan at Inter Milan. The Gunners have Alexis Sanchez to play on the left, whose brilliant performance in his first season has left Podolski with no room to manoeuvre his skills, leading him to seek a move elsewhere.

Wenger was apparently unwilling to let him leave, but had to relent as he was not able to meet his demands of providing him with adequate game time. The striker is expected to complete a transfer in the coming days, making him the sixth player to leave the club this summer. Mikel Arteta's contract with the club is also up, with news of an extension still pending from both parties.

"We had very good talks with Wenger. He wanted to keep Lukas, but couldn't give him a guarantee that he will be starter. That's why we agreed on a transfer," his agent said, as quoted by Goal.com.

The striker joined Arsenal in 2012, following which he made 82 appearances for the club, scoring 31 goals in return.

The Gunners have already signed Petr Cech from Chelsea this summer, addressing a much discussed void in their defence. Wojciech Szczesny and David Ospina have both been heavily criticised last season for their failure to put in good performances on a consistent basis.

Cech, who comes into the team having won four Premier League titles, four FA cups, the Europa League and the Champions League will add some much needed experience in the back line and also confidence, which stems from his achievements over the years with Chelsea.