Per Mertesacker admits discussing a move to Arsenal with Germany teammate Lukas Podolski.

The FC Cologne star is expected to join Arsenal in the summer.

"He has been very interested in the past few weeks, and has sent me a number of text messages," Mertesacker said.

"I've told him that this is a great place to work and that Arsenal are an amazing club.

"Nothing has been agreed on yet though, and Lukas hasn't given me a ring yet. That will all happen in tranquility."