Juventus are to hold talks with Arsenal this week over the possible signing of the Germany international Lukas Podolski before the close of the transfer window. The 29-year-old, who has scored 28 goals in 69 appearances for the London club since signing from Cologne for £11m two years ago, was the only one of Arsène Wenger’s trio of World Cup winners not involved in the squad at Goodison Park on Saturday having been granted extended leave after the tournament in Brazil.

Podolski’s contract does not expire until 2016 but he has found himself reduced to a peripheral role at the Emirates. Juve may prefer to take him on a season-long loan, though Arsenal will push for a permanent deal worth up to £10m, with interest having alsocoming from Bundesliga sides such as Bayer Leverkusen and Wolfsburg.