Podolski's place on German national team could be in jeopardy, warns Joachim Low

Lukas Podolski's spot on the German national team will hinge on where the forward winds up during the summer transfer window.

A return to Arsenal could harm his place with the World Cup champions as Joachim Low says he needs to play regularly in order to maintain his place with Germany.

"I want him to play at least 30 to 40 matches next season," Low told German publication Die Welt, Jens Weber of ESPNFC reports. "If he comes on as 'joker' (impact player) in some of those matches it does not matter. He needs to play.

"Two years without regular match practice would not be a good basis for entering the European Championship."

Although he expressed a desire to return to the Emirates Stadium after an admittedly poor loan spell with Inter Milan, Podolski might consider a move to Galatasaray in light of Low's ominous comments.

The Turkish giants expressed an interest in Podolski, with the the 30-year-old indicating he would be open to joining the Super Lig squad.

Before considering a move away from the Emirates Stadium, Low insists that Podolski will have to find out where he stands with Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger.

"He should not take things as they come – he should approach Wenger to get to know where he stands," Low said. "What are Wenger's plans for him? If Wenger sees him as a substitute, Lukas needs to consider whether he wants to be that."