Mesut Özil has revealed that he would like Lukas Podolski to return to Arsenal over the summer.

The Germany international has been linked with a move away from Arsenal and is expected to hold talks with Süper Lig outfit Galatasaray next week.

Podolski is currently on loan at Serie A outfit Inter Milan but Roberto Mancini has ruled out trying to sign the experienced striker on a permanent deal.

“The whole team and myself would be happy. He has many friends in the team. He’s a real joker,” Özil was quoted as saying by Goal.

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Podolski will arrive in Istanbul next week for a medical with Galatasaray according to Sport Mediaset.

The 28-year-old striker recently stated that he is considering his options and that he could leave on a permanent deal at the end of the season.

“I cannot confirm anything now. I have a year of my contract with Arsenal left and I have talked to others, I’m open to everything,” Podolski told Sky Sport Italia.

The World Cup winner only managed to score a single goal in 15 Serie A appearances for Inter this season.

Galatasaray won the Süper Lig title for the 20th time on Monday 25 May and guaranteed a place in the Champions League final.