• Premier League

Podolski demands better treatment from Arsenal

Lukas Podolski has stepped up his campaign to force his way into the Arsenal team by demanding his situation at the club changes "now".

The striker has made it clear that he is unhappy with life at the Emirates and hinted at a January exit as questions are raised over his future with Germany's national team.

Podolski, 29, won his 120th cap for Germany in Tuesday's 1-1 draw against Ireland when he came off the bench at half-time, but was unable to help his side build on their 71st-minute lead via a Toni Kroos goal as they succumbed to a late John O'Shea equaliser.

Podolski's performance came under fire in the German press, with critics taking aim at his work rate and defensive contributions.

Since returning from Brazil a World Cup-winner with Germany, Podolski has found playing time hard to come by at Arsenal, his only start so far this season coming in last month's League Cup defeat to Southampton.

Speaking following the Ireland game, Podolski insisted that he wants to see drastic changes to his role at Arsenal.

"I can assess my situation, and it needs to change now - in the club," he said. "Let's see what happens now, and let's see what happens in the winter. It's clear that I am not happy right now."

Podolski, who last scored for Arsenal back in April, has already discussed the possibility of a move in the January transfer window.

Last week he told reporters that "I don't like it on the bench", to which Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger responded by saying that being a footballer "is a job where you can only be successful if you're fully committed. You cannot be half in and half out, so all this transfer speculation is not considered at all".

Lukas Podolski last scored for Arsenal in April © Getty Images

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