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Arsenal face Schalke raid for Lukas Podolski but Galatasaray deny bid
SCHALKE general manager Horst Heldt has failed to rule out a move for Arsenal forward Lukas Podolski but Galatasaray say they have not made a bid for the player.
According to reports in Germany Schalke have stepped up their interest in Podolski but Heldt refused to be drawn on the speculation.
Speaking to Bild he said: "I am unable to make any statement on this rumour at this point in time."
However, the paper thinks that a return to Germany remains a distinct possibility for the 28-year-old.
Schalke are reportedly unwilling to meet Arsenal's £20m asking price for the former Bayern Munich player but are hopeful that he may be available on loan with the Gunners continuing to pay part of the players wages, thought to be in excess of £100,000-a-week.
But Schalke could face competition from Turkish club Galatasaray, who wanted to sign Podolski before he joined Arsenal.
According to reports in Turkey, though, no bid has been forthcoming from the Istanbul club.
Speaking to Radyospor Galatasaray president Unal Aysa said: "We have not been in contact with Podolski."
And despite all the speculation, which has also seen Podolski linked with Wolfsburg and Tottenham, the player's agent Kon Schramm played down the prospects of a move before the end of the transfer window.
Speaking to Bild, Schramm said: "I have never been out to comment on speculation like this.
"Lukas Podolski is under contract with Arsenal. This is a fact."