Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger says Lukas Podolski can play as a striker in the future.

Wenger has been impressed by the strength of Podolski's performances, and is not ruling out deploying the 27-year-old as a centre forward in the future.

"I don't say no to that," he told Arsenal Player. "At the moment I'm not completely convinced that he adjusted well to this position. He gives us a good balance on the left. Walcott or Giroud adjusts well in the middle.

"We demand a lot of him, because we demand a lot of defensive work. He has a good mentality and wants to do well and fights. I believe that Lukas Podolski has adapted very well.

"If football teaches you one thing, always keep an open mind and give time and confidence to players. They will always surprise you in a positive way.

"I have so many examples of players who became stars, where the environment was at least very sceptical at the start."