Inter Milan are pushing Arsenal to release Lukas Podolski on a free loan.

Inter are locked in talks with the Gunners over a deal for the Germany international, though their offer has left the Londoners unimpressed.

Inter want to take Podolski on a straight loan - without a fee involved. However, the Gunners are insisting on a permanent option - for a set price - to be included for June.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger described Inter's offer yesterday as "a joke".

For his part, Podolski is keen to see the deal done.