Arsene Wenger: Lukas Podolski is Part of My Plans at Arsenal

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger claims Lukas Podolski is still in his plans for this season and hinted the forward will not be allowed to leave in January.

The 29-year-old has spent most of his time on the Gunners' bench, making only one start in all competitions this season, which came during their Capital One Cup defeat against Southampton.

Podolski had earlier admitted that he is frustrated with his situation at the Emirates and will consider his Arsenal future when the transfer window opens next year. However, the north London club's manager says the German international will be at Arsenal, despite the player's latest comments.

"It is quite simple, there is no transfer market at the moment. When there is no transfer market, you are all on board – or not on board. It is like that," Wenger explained.

"This 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. We are all on board to get results, and Podolski will be part of that."

Germany boss Joachim Low has raised concerns over Podolski's limited playing time with the Premier League outfit.

"He has played very few games for Arsenal. Lukas has shown time and time again that he can bring a lot of momentum into the game quickly," Low said.

Meanwhile, Germany general manager Oliver Bierhoff has urged Podolski to leave his current employers in search of regular football.

He is a unique lad, and he's an important part of our squad, not only on the pitch," Bierhoff was quoted as saying by ESPN.

"And I can understand that when he is struggling for minutes, he considers his future because he wants to play football."

"I would advise him to seek talks with the coach, and to find a solution which fits both sides. I hope that, should he make a switch, his path will lead him to a club that will give him continuity," the Germany general manager stressed.