Arsenal may be 'tattoo worthy' for Podolski

Podolski has the crest of home-town club Cologne inked on the inside of his right arm as a mark of respect for the team he joined at the age of 10, and left for the second time this northern summer.

And the German striker, who endured a difficult three-season stint at Bayern Munich before returning home in 2009, is hopeful of making a similarly lasting success of his time at the Emirates Stadium.

"Cologne meant so much to me because I was there for a long time, maybe I will do the same with Arsenal because I like this club," Podolski said.

"It is a big club and maybe we can do a tattoo. We can speak about this in the next three or four years."

Podolski netted his third goal in as many games when the Gunners came from behind to beat Montpellier away in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday night.

And along with fellow new signing Santi Cazorla, the 27-year-old has integrated quickly into an Arsenal side reshaped after the sale of captain Robin van Persie to Manchester United.

He added: "When I came on the first day to the club everyone made it easy for me.

"Not only the team around the team, the coaches, the physios, the president and all the staff make it easy for me.

"We have only played four or five matches and I have three goals and I am very happy about the good start for me and for the team.

"We must keep fit and well - it is a long, long season."

Arsenal has conceded just a single goal in the English Premier League so far, and that after a mistake by goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny in the 6-1 thrashing of Southampton.

Going forward the Gunners have looked almost irresistible, with the only thing missing being Olivier Giroud finding the net for the first time.

Podolski admits Arsenal's passing style very much suits his game, whether playing wide on the left or down the centre.

However, he warned against getting swept away in the hype as Arsenal prepares for Sunday's (1.00am Monday AEST) trip to champion Manchester City.

"The team and [manager] Arsene [Wenger] make it easy. Last week we played very well. This is the style of football that I like, we play with one or two touches," he said.

"We play straight to the front, but we have only played four matches and we are not ready to speak about the title or the Champions League.

"We must carry on playing like the last few matches and we must keep on fighting."

Jack Wilshere returned to training with the squad this week after missing the whole of last season with an ankle problem, but the England midfielder will not be rushed back into action.

Szczesny, meanwhile, missed the midweek trip to France because of a rib problem, so Vito Mannone could again deputise at City.