Bayern may let Podolski walk to fund Arshavin

Bayern Munich could be willing to let Lukas Podolski go in January and set up an auction between Real Madrid and Manchester City in order to fund a move for Andrei Arshavin.

The Bundesliga outfit has been reported in the German press as having accepted the forward's request to be allowed to leave and plans for his replacement are taking shape.

Arshavin would cost more than Bayern would normally consider spending, but with Manchester City's interest in Podolski, the price could rise for the former Köln player.

Madrid's sporting director Predrag Mijatovic is not convinced that the Bavaraian giants would be willing to let one of their stars go in midseason, however.

"I do not think that Bayern will let Podolski go," he stated when asked about Los Merengues' possible interest in making a move.

Podolski has stated publicly that he felt joining the club in 2006 was a mistake and is reported to have held talks about remaining until January before being allowed to move either permanently or on loan.

Earlier in the summer, it was rumored in England that Juande Ramos was considering trying to lure Podolski to Tottenham Hotspur, but no official bid was ever made.

The north London club also held extensive talks with Zenit about Arshavin but refused to increase its offer when the Russian club pushed its demands closer to $42 million for the 27-year-old.