Lukas Podolski "unsatisfied" with Arsenal playing time

Lukas Podolski

Lukas Podolski will look to leave Arsenal in January after becoming "unsatisfied" with his lack of opportunities at the Emirates Stadium.

The 29-year-old forward has not started a single game for the Gunners in either the Premier League or Europe since his return from the World Cup.

Casting aside the 90 minutes he played in the League Cup defeat to Southampton, Podolski has managed a meagre 79 minutes in seven substitute outings.

"Of course I am not happy with my situation right now," declared Podolski, speaking on international duty.

"I can't be satisfied with that [his lack of action]. We'll see what happens in January."

Arsenal chief Arsene Wenger declared on October 22 that he understood Podolski's frustrations, but that he was still an important part of his plans.

Those words came after the German struck a late winner in the 2-1 Champions League win over Anderlecht in Belgium.            

Since then however Podolski has seen just 17 minutes of action, and was once more left on the bench in the weekend's 2-1 defeat by Swansea.

"It is hard when you can't do what you love," added the 120-cap German international. "I don't know why that is, you'd have to ask my coach in England.

"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.

"If you only come in for 8 or 10 minutes it is hard to get into the game." ...Mirror