Lukas Podolski hints at Arsenal exit: 'A change must occur', says World Cup winner

The 29-year-old continues to be used sparingly by Arsene Wenger

Lukas Podolski (GETTY IMAGES)

Lukas Podolski has said that a "change must occur" as he continues to find himself on the fringes at Arsenal.

The 29-year-old has been used sparingly by Arsene Wenger this season, as he has since his £11m arrival from Cologne in 2012.

This season, he has started just one match - the 2-1 Capital One Cup defeat to Southampton. Aside from that he has appeared as a substitute in two Premier League games and the defeat to Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League. He was an unused sub last night as Arsenal swept Galatasaray aside 4-1 at the Emirates.

Podolski told RTL television: "I am a full blooded player, a street player and I love competition.

"If I don't have this competition every weekend then a change must occur."

The comments will lead to speculation about an exit during the January transfer window. There was also talk of a move over the summer, but that was quashed by Arsene Wenger who, until the arrival of Danny Welbeck on transfer deadline day, had very limited options in attack.

When asked if he would see out his deal with the club for whom he has scored 28 goals in 73 appearances, Podolski said: "We will have to see. But it is certainly something one has to think about."

The striker, who was a part of the Germany team that won the World Cup in Brazil added: "I have been with Germany a long time and have gone through phases where I did not play a lot at club level but was convincing with the national team. That is no problem," he said despite no longer being a regular first team choice for his country.