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Lukas Podolski: 'My chapter with Arsenal is not closed'

Giorgio Perottino / Reuters

Having failed to score in any of his nine appearances since joining Inter Milan on a season-long loan from Arsenal, Lukas Podolski isn't ruling out a return to the Emirates Stadium.

Podolski stated Wednesday his loan deal doesn't include a clause for Inter to purchase him permanently at the end of the season, suggesting he could feature for Arsene Wenger's side once again as he's seemingly on the periphery at the San Siro.

"I don't regret joining Inter," Podolski said, according to the Guardian. "I was the one who did not want a clause (for Inter to buy him at the end of the season) because now I can evaluate everything in the summer freely and make a decision (about my future) then.

"My chapter with Arsenal is not closed. I still have a year left on my contract (there) and always got on really well with the guys and the fans."

The 29-year-old's words echo those of his agent Ali Pektas, who hinted that his client could return to Arsenal last week.

"Anything could happen," Pektas told Turkish publication Fanatik. "Last summer he could have moved to Galatasaray, but it never materialised. Every summer Lukas and I go on holiday to Turkey.

"For the moment he's on loan at Inter, and when it ends at the end of the season he could return to Arsenal, where he still has a year on his contract."

Mauro Icardi is the clear first-choice striker at Inter right now, forcing Podolski to the left flank in Roberto Mancini's 4-2-3-1 in a similar situation to what he underwent at Arsenal.

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