Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has insisted forward Lukas Podolski isn’t going anywhere this summer.

Reports in Germany suggested the Gunners may be willing to offload the 28-year-old on loan to Bundesliga outfit Schalke.

The German netted a brace to help the Gunners to a 3-1 win over Fulham on Saturday afternoon, a result which is sure to ease the pressure on Wenger following last weekend’s defeat to Aston Villa.

And while Podolski has found first-team opportunities limited at the Emirates Stadium, Wenger was keen to highlight his importance to the team.

When asked whether he expects to keep the German forward, Wenger said: “Yes. We have had no interest from anybody. No-one has made any enquiries about him.

“I’m pleased for him [following his two goals against Fulham] because he hasn’t always started recently, a decision which has been made more for the balance of the team rather than personal performance.

“He’s always high-spirited, he’s a very important player in the team and he can score goals.

“He’s a great strike partner, everybody in the squad loves him and I want to keep him.”

The Frenchman also responded to questions regarding Arsenal’s lack of transfer activity, and suggested the club may be looking to make a number of signings before the transfer window closes in a few days.

When prompted about when he expects to secure his unnamed targets, he added: “Not before Fenerbahce [in their midweek Champions League tie], but before next weekend possibly.

“I’m not the only one who can decide [when the singings are secured], but we’re in the market.”