Arsenal striker Lukas Podolski has stated that he wants first-team football if he is to stay at the North London based club next season.

“I can’t make any claims. I am under contract at Arsenal,” Podolski told Kicker.

“I have not talked to Arsenal yet, but if I return I want to play. I won’t sit on the bench or in the stands.”

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Podolski has been closely linked with a move to Galatasaray and he recently revealed that he would consider joining a Turkish club if an offer was made.

The World Cup winner told NTV Sport: “If an offer comes from Turkey, I will sit down and talk about it with my family and girlfriend.

“If I find the right club, the right coach, the right environment, I will evaluate it.

“If these conditions are met, I think everything is possible.

“The next transfer could be my last, so I have to take a well-thought step.”

Galatasaray manager Hamza Hamzaoğlu underlined that the club will target a striker over the summer transfer window.

“Podolski and Gignac are both on our shortlist we have not entered direct talks,” Hamzaoğlu told NTV Spor.

The Lions would be able to offer Podolski regular first team action and Champions League group stage football next season.

Galatasaray won the league title for the 20th time last season and booked a place in the Champions League.