Premier League: 10 Best Transfers of 2012

7. Lukas Podolski (Arsenal, £11 million)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tq_hM0Tl5mc&feature=related Podolski had been linked to Arsenal before this summer, and with good reason. 103 caps for Germany at the age of 27, with 44 goals. 112 goals in 292 appearances in the German Bundesliga. Wenger eventually decided he was worth the risk this summer, and considering his record abroad, £11 million must seem like a bargain for the Gunners. With 2 goals and 2 assists, in just 7 appearances this summer, Podolski is justifying the hype, and should prove himself to be a fantastic replacement for Robin van Persie. Well, more than Olivier Giroud at least. His pace, as well as his shooting, means he can also be deployed as a winger, or at the very least, an inside forward behind the main striker, much like van Persie used to when he first joined the club. With more defensive stability this season, and goals beginning to flow at the right end of the pitch, many people have Arsenal as their dark horse to win the league this season. I wouldn't rule them out. Rating: 9/10 The complete forward.