Cologne striker Lukas Podolski admits Barclays Premier League outfit Arsenal are a team he admires very much.

Podolski's future at Cologne has been the subject of much uncertainty recently after he admitted he was considering a move in the wake of the club's off-field problems.

Arsenal were one of the clubs linked with a move for the German international in the wake of his apparent unrest, and it now appears the player himself is a fan of the Gunners.

"Arsenal are a top club," Podolski told Bild. "They have a good team and play with the best in England.

"Still, there have been no talks."

The 26-year-old went on to insists he remains fully focused on doing well with Cologne, starting with Saturday's match against Stuttgart.

"My full concentration is on Stuttgart, since on Saturday we have an important game."

Cologne sporting director Volker Finke also revealed the club have turned down an approach for Podolski from Russian side Lokomotiv Moscow, and are looking to offer their prized asset a contract extension.

"We have denied [Lokomotiv] Moscow because we want to extend our agreement with Podolski," Finke said according to Bild.

Podolski has been firing on all cylinders this season, and has already netted nine times in the Bundesliga.