Podolski to Cologne?

Germany would have no shortage of potential suitors for Arsenal's out-of-favor striker Lukas Podolski. The 29-year-old's strong bond with Cologne already narrows down the possibilities, trimming off the club's rivals in the same region. But his former club might, indeed, be where his future lies.

Speaking to Sky Sports News in Germany, the 29-year-old re-affirmed his desire to return to Cologne who are now back in the Bundesliga after winning promotion last season. He completed his move to Premier League side Arsenal when Cologne were initially relegated to the second-tier back in 2012.

"I can imagine a transfer to Cologne in the next few years because I'm always attached to the club," he said. "I have always said that I want to hear this hymn again when walking up the stairs with the number 10 shirt. That's what I dream about and I hope it comes true again."

This season, the German international has taken to the field in the Premier League for a measly 50 minutes from a possible 1170 over 13 league games.

In all competitions, the striker has played 78 times for the Gunners in his two-and-a-bit-year spell in London and he managed to score just eight times last season in the league.

Now that the Billy Goats have returned to the German top division, bringing a much-needed sense of financial stability, a return for Podolski could be feasible. The player's deal lasts until July 2016 in London, but a move on loan in January could be possible.

However, Arsene Wenger, the long-term manager of the North London club, has dismissed a January transfer in the past, claiming the experienced German striker is "not-for-sale."

Klose also considering move?

Meanwhile, Germany's World Cup-winning veteran Miroslav Klose says he will be seeking talks with Lazio's executives over a lack of playing time in Italy's Serie A.

This season Klose has managed just 395 minutes on the pitch for the Rome-based club. He's bagged three goals this season, but has had to make-do with coming off the bench.

Since moving to Italy in 2011, Klose's strike-rate at club-level has improved markedly: he has scored 44 goals in 112 appearances for the Italians. Before his transfer away from the Bundesliga, Klose had earned the reputation of being prolific on the international stage for Germany - he is the country's leading all-time scorer - and inconsistent for his club team.

The World champion, even at the age of 36, would still attract interest from his homeland and further afield as he looks to guarantee first-team football for the rest of the domestic season.

"I will look for talks with Lazio's executives," he told German newspaper BILD, adding that a move in the January transfer window "would not be inconceivable."

Klose retired from international football after Germany's World Cup win in Brazil this July. He had been capped more than 170 times and had racked up 74 international goals, including three at this summer's World Cup.

"I feel fit and healthy," he added. "That's why I'm entitled to play more. I'm certainly not satisfied with the current situation because I still have sporting aims."

Different Fortunes

But another German international in Italy is enjoying different fortunes of late. Mario Gomez looks to have put his injury-crisis behind him as he scored his first league goal of the season at the weekend for Fiorentina whilst wearing the captain's armband.

The 29-year-old's stint in Florence has been plagued by one serious injury after another. Just minutes into his first few games in Italy, Gomez was ruled out for three months with a knee injury, followed by several other knee issues, missing more than 30 games for his new club.

The former Bayern Munich and Stuttgart forward has scored just five goals in 25 appearances for Fiorentina.