Claudio Pizarro signs for Arsenal’s Europa League rivals Cologne
Former Chelsea striker, 38, joins Bundesliga basement side until the end of the season
ARSENAL could come up against Claudio Pizarro in the Europa League after he signed for Cologne.
Former Chelsea striker Pizarro, who turns 39 next week, joins Cologne after leaving rival German side Werder Bremen at the end of last term.
The Bundesliga basement side have snapped up Pizarro after scoring just one goal in their opening six league matches.
Pizarro is the top overseas striker of all time in the German top flight with 191 goals from 430 matches with Bayern Munich and Bremen.
Cologne are in need of firepower and sorely miss Anthony Modeste.
The French forward was sent on loan to Chinese side Tianjin Quanjian in a transfer which could earn Cologne up to £30million.
But while Pizarro has a brilliant scoring record in Germany, the Gunners will hope his Premier League form resurfaces if they come up against him.
The retired 85-cap Peru international netted just twice in 31 league and cup games during his single season at Chelsea.
⚽ Ian Wright's Premier League Tips ⚽
Former striker Ian Wright selects his top tips for Saturday's action.
"Romelu Lukaku has started exactly as you’d want a £75m signing to start.
"Not only has he scored a load of goals but he’s also silenced those questioning his link-up play and the first touch.
"He’s the only player in my mind when it comes to the first goalscorer market - and I fancy United to get loads againsrt Crystal Palace."
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He got 25 minutes in a Prem clash against the Gunners, with Blues losing 1-0 to a 45th-minute goal from William Gallas.
Pizarro headed to Stamford Bridge on a free in the summer of 2007 on a four-year deal.
But his first-season struggles saw a return to former club Werder Bremen on loan.
After a successful stint he joined permanently in 2009, before heading back to Bayern.
A third spell followed at Bremen, who released him in the summer.
