Gianluca Di Marzio reported today the figures and type of contract behind the Podolski deal.
“Lukas Podolski is set to join Inter after the Italian club reached an agreement with Arsenal,” wrote his official site. “The German striker will join the Italian club on a straight loan (no option to buy) for rest of the season, they will pay the Gunners 600,000 euro which will go up to 850/900 thousand euro should Inter qualify for next season’s Champions League- the clubs reached an agreement also thanks to Base Soccer which acted as the intermediary in the deal. Inter and Arsenal will discuss Podolski’s future once the loan deal expires, the German striker’s current contract with Arsenal expires in June of 2016. Podolski is expected to arrive in Milano this evening, he’ll take the medical tomorrow. The thing missing is the signed paperwork from Arsenal, but earlier today the two clubs ironed out the remaining details. Podolski is ready to play in Serie A.”
So you are correct to understand that this deal does NOT contain an option to buy. The two sides will meet again in June to discuss a permanent deal should Inter be interested in one.
Source: David Amoyal, gianlucadimarzio.com
Author’s note: This is great, and allows us to negotiate the big cash for a possible Shaqiri deal. I think that negotiation weighed heavily on deciding not to insert a buy-out clause. This keeps us both safe on the field, and financially. If he does well, he’ll be worth whatever we decide to pay for him, if/when we do. If he does not fit well with Inter and in Serie A, we lose very little. Great deal. Bravo Ausilio.
How do you feel about the figures of the deal?