Arsenal Transfer News: Lukas Podolski Complains at Treatment by Arsene Wenger

Lukas Podolski has confirmed he is unhappy at Arsenal and has suggested he is looking to leave the club in January.

The German striker is often outspoken and rarely shy to reveal his true thoughts. He previously suggested his lack of game time "has to change" in October, but in light of this not happening, he now appears set on departing the north London club.

Podolski spoke while on international duty with Germany, as reported by Alex Richards of the Daily Mirror: "Of course I am not happy with my situation right now. I can't be satisfied with that (his lack of action). We'll see what happens in January. It is hard when you can't do what you love. I don't know why that is, you'd have to ask my coach in England."

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The versatile forward is yet to start a Premier League or Champions League game this season, receiving just 46 and 28 minutes of playing time in the respective competitions, per WhoScored.com. He started the Capital One Cup defeat to Southampton, but aside from netting the equalising goal during Arsenal's European win away at Anderlecht, he has failed to make an impression.

"If you can't play then you can't say he's not playing well or he has a crisis if you're not given the chance," added Podolski, per Richards. "If you only come in for eight or 10 minutes it is hard to get into the game."

Wenger previously indicated "Podolski will be part" of Arsenal's quest to get results, but in truth, the French manager has rarely shown consistent faith in the former Bayern Munich man.

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Two years ago, Podolski urged Wenger to provide him with a central role, a position in which his powerful left foot is best suited. This opportunity hasn't been afforded, leaving the incisive player marooned on the wing.

While useful here, the addition of individuals including Olivier Giroud, Yaya Sanogo and Danny Welbeck—all of whom have played centrally—serves as a reminder Podolski isn't going to get his way. Football writer SamuelJayC suggests offloading the unneeded player is a wise move for Arsenal:

Wenger needs to spend in January and could do with extra wage funds freed up. At 29 years old, Podolski won't raise a major fee, but it's perhaps best for the player and the club to end their association.

He hasn't hit the heights expected during many performances and has subsequently lost chances to impress as a result. Even with Arsenal's current injury problems, this situation doesn't look like it will improve, meaning Podolski is more likely to find success with a consistent starting run elsewhere.