Cologne have admitted they will have to respect what Lukas Podolski wants to do at the end of the season amid reports linking him with a move to Arsenal.
The Germany international has repeatedly expressed his frustration this season at a perceived failure to keep promises by Cologne since he returned to the club from Bayern Munich three years ago.
Podolski remains under contract until 2013 but Cologne have so far failed to extend his deal and head coach Stale Solbakken has now admitted he does not know whether the striker will stay beyond the summer.
Speculation has suggested that the striker has already agreed terms with Arsenal, having previously indicated that he would look to go abroad if he did leave Cologne.
Solbakken understands that Podolski has a lot to think about but is keen to find out what his plans are for the future.
"Lukas is a Cologne player at the moment and will be one until the end of the season," Solbakken told reporters. "Then we will have to see what happens.
"His decision is important for us but also for him. We have to respect that."
Podolski has scored 15 goals this season but Cologne are still languishing in the bottom half of the Bundesliga table, just four points above the relegation zone.
