The presence of Roberto Mancini as Inter Coach was behind “99 per cent” of Lukas Podolski’s decision to quit Arsenal.
The World Cup winner flew in on Friday night and completed his medical on Saturday, so is now just awaiting the international transfer to begin training with his new teammates.
This deal is believed to be a six-month loan with option to buy at the end of the season for €5.5m.
The presence of Roberto Mancini as Inter Coach was behind “99 per cent” of Lukas Podolski’s decision to quit Arsenal.
The World Cup winner flew in on Friday night and completed his medical on Saturday, so is now just awaiting the international transfer to begin training with his new teammates.
This deal is believed to be a six-month loan with option to buy at the end of the season for €5.5m.
“The whole move began from Roberto Mancini’s request for a strong wide man in his attack,” intermediary Nicola Giuliani told gianlucadimarzio.com.
“I have strong links with Podolski’s agent and let Roberto know I could help him bring this player to Inter. Director Ausilio agreed straight away too and the negotiations quickly moved in the right direction.
“Both parties did very well to work calmly and avoid the very strong risk of a bidding war breaking out.”
The intermediary revealed that Mancini taking over from Walter Mazzarri in November was a decisive moment.
“I will not disguise that Mancini’s presence on the Inter bench was 99 per cent decisive for the player’s choice. With him, the club has taken on a winning aura.
“I also won’t deny that if the previous Coach and Inter had been there, Podolski would not have moved.
“I am convinced Inter got one of the best players available in this January window and he is very motivated. I believe this move to Inter creates a perfect union.”
There are strong reports Podolski could even be thrown straight into the starting XI for Tuesday night’s big Serie A match against Juventus.
“Arsenal will do everything possible to get the transfer through quickly, because Inter absolutely intend to use him in the first game of the year,” confirmed Giuliani.
Image via @robymancio