Lukas Podolski has insisted that he can still play a big part at Arsenal upon returning to the club this summer.
The Germany international, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Inter Milan, has been repeatedly linked with a move away from North London in recent weeks.
Both Werder Bremen and Galatasaray have ruled out making an offer for the out-of-favour forward, however, and Podolski now concedes that he is likely to still be an Arsenal player by the time the new campaign comes around.
"You can take experience from everywhere you play abroad, even if it was not my best year from a sporting perspective," he is quoted as saying by the Daily Star. "But I still have many years ahead of me and a burning desire to play football.
"There's bound to be speculation in the coming weeks, but at the moment it looks like I will be going back to London. Things can always change, but if needs be I will remain at Arsenal next season.
"They are a great club and I think I can help them. I can confirm there has been no interest from Werder Bremen."
Podolski is out of contract at the Emirates Stadium in 12 months' time.
Daniel Lewis
