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Podolski Inter link a joke - Wenger

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has dismissed Inter Milan's interest in Lukas Podolski as "a joke" and hopes the striker will stay with the Gunners.

Podolski, who joined Arsenal in 2012, has started only two matches this term.

Inter boss Roberto Mancini told Italian news channel Sport Mediaset that the 29-year-old forward is "part of a list of players that we are following".

But Wenger told a press conference: "That is a joke. Inter Milan are not serious. There's only talk."

Arsenal's attacking resources will be tested in forthcoming fixtures after Olivier Giroud was given a three-match suspension following his sending off against QPR, and Danny Welbeck injured his thigh in Sunday's win at West Ham.

"Podolski is a player of Arsenal Football Club and I want him to stay," Wenger said.

Asked if the Germany international would still be with the club after the January transfer window he added: "I hope so, yes."

The Frenchman appeared to rule out the possibility of a loan move for the forward when he said: "I don't doubt that in some situations players need experience, but that is not the case for Podolski."