Transfer Centre

Lukas Podolski to hold crisis talks with Arsenal

By Shane Callaghan, Reporter | 20 November 2014

Lukas Podolski says that he will stay at Arsenal if he is given assurances by manager Arsene Wenger that he will earn first-team opportunities.

Lukas Podolski has revealed that he is happy to stay with Arsenal, but only if manager Arsene Wenger promises him more first-team chances.

Speculation is rife that the 29-year-old, who has started one game this season, could be leaving the Gunners in January after airing his frustrations over a lack of opportunities.

Germany boss Joachim Low has previously warned him that his international career is in jeopardy unless he plays regularly, and Podolski says that showdown talks with Wenger are needed to clarify his future.

"I have to speak to Wenger because the situation at the moment is not good for me," he told The Express. "I have to play. I am happy at Arsenal and happy in London but I don't have the chance to play.

"I know that only 11 can play but when you come on for just 10 or 15 minutes and it happens every week then you cannot be happy. I am happy with the team, the coach and the club, but I am not playing.

"When I am ready and 100% I could play in the first XI. It is the coach's decision, not my decision. Every player wants to play, every player wants to play in the middle, every player wants to score goals. But it is Arsene Wenger's decision. He picks the first XI and he picks the tactics. I cannot change the style or tactics of the team."

The North Londoners are thought to have slapped a £4m price tag on the former Koln man - who joined Arsenal for £11m in 2012 - but that figure is acting as a deterrent for potential suitors.