Arsenal transfer news! Wenger admits star is close to Gunners exit

Arsene Wenger has confirmed Inter Milan have tabled a 'more serious offer' for Arsenal star Lukas Podolski.

The Germany international could have played his final game for the Gunners, with the transfer window opening on January 3.

Podolski missed Arsenal's 2-0 Premier League defeat at Southampton on New Year's Day with a "tight groin", with manager Wenger confirming Inter are pushing hard to land the 29-year-old.

Wenger conceded Podolski would have "had a big chance to start" at Southampton had he been fit, but will now miss Sunday's FA Cup clash with Hull City.

"Podolski was injured today, he has a tight groin," said Wenger.

"He has not practised for a few days now, since our last game at West Ham because of a tight groin.

"So I don't think he will be available for Sunday."

Podolski was an unused substitute in Arsenal's 2-1 win at West Ham on December 28, his last Gunners action coming in the 4-1 victory over Newcastle on December 13.

Wenger refused to admit Podolski's January departure for Italy is all-but signed and sealed, but conceded talks with Inter remain ongoing.

"The first proposal was farcical; after they came back a bit more serious, then we will see what happens now," said Wenger.

"Inevitable? Not in the transfer market, it's very difficult to say, but we'll see later.

"He was not available because of injury, but he would have had a big chance to start, yes."