Man City target Podolski, Bayern want Arshavin

Manchester City have re-affirmed their interest in Germany striker Lukas Podolski whose club Bayern Munich are keen to sign Russian midfield ace Andrei Arshavin, according to reports.

German sports agency SID say unsettled Bayern star Podolski, who scored two goals for Germany in last Saturday's World Cup 2010 qualifier, is once again being courted by City who expressed an interest in him during the summer.

With a new Arabian owner at the helm, Manchester City are keen to boost their squad and Podolski, 23, is frustrated at being kept on the bench at Bayern – despite scoring 30 goals in 56 appearances for Germany.

And Munich newspaper TZ say Bayern are interested in signing attacking midfielder Arshavin, one of the stars of Euro 2008, who is keen to leave UEFA Cup champions Zenit St Petersburg and could replace Podolski.

“My club are doing everything they can to obstruct me leaving,” a disgruntled Arshavin is quoted as telling Russian newspaper Sport Express Daily.

In World Cup 2010 Group 4 qualifiers on Wednesday night, Podolski is set to play for Germany against Finland at Helsinki's Olympic Stadium, while Arshavin's Russia take on Wales in Moscow.