Oliver Bierhoff urges Lukas Podolski to hold Arsene Wenger talks

Oliver Bierhoff has advised out-of-favour Lukas Podolski to discuss his Arsenal future with manager Arsene Wenger.

Speculation is rife that Podolski could leave the Gunners in January after recently berating his lack of first-team opportunities.

The Germany winger is currently on international duty, but Bierhoff has urged the 29-year-old to clarify his future with the Gunners upon returning to North London.

"He is a unique lad, and he's an important part of our squad, not only on the pitch," Bierhoff, a member of Germany boss Joachim Low's backroom staff, told reporters.

"And I can understand that when he is struggling for minutes, he considers his future because he wants to play football.

"I would advise him to seek talks with the coach, and to find a solution which fits both sides. I hope that, should he make a switch, his path will lead him to a club that will give him continuity."

Podolski, whose contract expires in 2016, has scored 30 times in his two-year spell with the North Londoners.