Lukas Podolski
Lukas Podolski has been linked with a January move to Arsenal. REUTERS

Lukas Podolski has reignited speculation over a January transfer to Arsenal after he described Arsene Wenger's side as a "top club."

The Gunners have been strongly linked with a £20m move for the 26-year-old Cologne striker as uncertainty continues to surround Robin van Persie's future at the club.

Podolski has been frustrated by his side's poor start to the season and discussions over an extension to his current contract, which expires in 2013, have stalled.

When questioned about Arsenal's reported interest, the German international said: "Arsenal are a top club. They have a good team and play right at the top level in England."

Last month, the Daily Mirror claimed Arsenal were weighing up a move for the former Bayern Munich star in January, as Wenger looks to alleviate the current goal-scoring burden shouldered by Gunners' captain van Persie.

Arsenal were widely reported to have sent scouts to watch Podolski play in Cologne's 3-0 defeat against Borussia Monchengladbach in November, however a source close to the player told the IBTimes that there had been no official approach from the club.

"Lukas has a contract with Cologne until June 2013," the source told the International Business Times UK. "There has been no official offer from Arsenal and I will not comment on speculation."

Meanwhile, the striker has escaped unscathed after a car accident on Monday morning.

Podolski was involved in a collision while driving to training but walked away unharmed despite heavy damage to his vehicle.

"I'm fine, nothing happened," the player told the Express. "I had a slight collision; [it] was nothing more, happily.

"I let myself be treated because of an injury from the {Borussia Monchengladbach] game that had nothing to do with the accident."