Arsene Wenger drops Lukas Podolski transfer hint after Southampton loss

Arsene Wenger has hinted that Lukas Podolski may be on his way out of the Emirates outfit in January, after Inter Milan came forward with an offer for the German international.

Roberto Mancini had previously confirmed their interest in the player but were blocked off by Wenger, who found their offer farcical. Podolski has not made a single start so far in the league, only coming off the bench seven times in the 20 games played thus far with scant reward.

However, he has scored three goals in five Champions League appearances including the winner in the final minute against Anderlecht in Belgium. Podolski is acclaimed for his left foot and finishing but has failed to win the heart of the manager this season, and has spoken about his lack of game time.

After their 2-0 loss to Southampton, Wenger confirmed that Podolski's future at Arsenal is uncertain and that they may consider the bid from Inter in the coming days.

"The first proposal was farcical. After, they came back a bit more serious. 'Inevitable' in a transfer is very difficult to say, but we'll see what happens," Wenger said.

Arsenal have numerous options up front this season, including the likes of Olivier Giroud, Theo Walcott, Alexis Sanchez, Danny Welbeck, Yaya Sanogo and Joel Campbell. Podolski, in spite of his finishing, doesn't like to run back and help his defence, which has counted against him in the eyes of the manager.

Compared to the likes of Sanchez, Podolski and Giroud, he cuts a one-dimensional figure who is in the fag end of his career at the top level. Arsenal are unlikely to add a centre-forward in January to replace Podolski and are more inclined towards bolstering their defence and midfield.

Meanwhile, the Gunners suffered their fifth loss of the season against Southampton, largely owing to a couple of schoolboy errors by stopper Wojciech Szczesny.

Wenger refused to talk about the keeper in the post match press conference and confirmed that he will give his second choice keeper, David Ospina, a run out in the FA Cup.