Lukas Podolski admits he is unhappy with his situation at Arsenal where he is regularly overlooked for a starting place in the team.

The striker came close to leaving the Gunners before the transfer window shut but ended up staying after boss Arsene Wenger convinced the German he was needed.

The 29-year-old has only started in the League Cup defeat to Southampton so far, with the likes of Danny Welbeck and Alexis Sanchez preferred in attack.

And with Olivier Giroud and Theo Walcott still to come back into the fold, Podolski’s situation is only likely to get worse.

“Definitely, I cannot be satisfied with the situation I am in at Arsenal. I have not been in negotiations with other clubs, nor have I told Arsenal that I am looking to leave,” Podolski said.

“I have just said how the situation is for me. I am under contract at Arsenal and I am unable to say, ‘I am off’. I am going to think things over soon as it’s going to be winter time.”

Germany’s director of football Oliver Bierhof has also urged Podolski to consider leaving the Gunners.

“I would advise him to carefully consider his situation with his club, to have a chat with the manager too. He needs to find the best solution, one he really enjoys,” he said.