Keeper prepared to drop down a division and leave Arsenal

The goalkeeper is so disillusioned about being on the bench, he says he will even consider dropping down a division in search of regular football.

Lehmann is training hard to win a recall

Although he is Germany coach Joachim Low's No1, Lehmann has slipped behind Manuel Almunia in the pecking order at Emirates Stadium and is likely to be among the substitutes again against Reading tonight.

Lehmann and Low are set for talks around Christmas and, if the situation at Arsenal does not alter, Low may advise him to change clubs.

"Given what the Germany coach says, I will have to see how things are in December," Lehmann told Kicker magazine today.

"I definitely want to play at Euro 2008. Playing there has always been my aim."

Lehmann's disenchantment is not a surprise but it will come as a shock to many that the former Borussia Dortmund man would consider dropping down a level to get a regular game.

"The Bundesliga is always attractive and is an option, and maybe the German second division is, too," he said.

However, the 38-year-old has not given up hope of dislodging Almunia.

He said: "The situation is as it is. It is only important what the manager decides and I am using this phase to train intensively every day.

"The manager knows I am highly motivated. I would like to play again soon, and expect that I will do. I would be very surprised if that was not the case."

Arsene Wenger has insisted Lehmann still has plenty of time to break back into the Arsenal team before any decision needs to be made over his future at the club.

The German international signed a new 12-month deal earlier this year but will be free to talk to other clubs in January.

Asked whether he was prepared to risk that, Wenger said: "If the situation is still like this in January we will see. We are still in November. November and December is plenty of time to win his place back. He is up for the challenge because he is 200 per cent professional.

"Jens doesn't want any presents. Jens wants to play because he thinks he is the best keeper. It makes it worse to put him in and out again. He has done nothing wrong. Almunia has been in the team and the team is doing well. It is as simple as that."

Arsenal go to Reading tonight ready to show they can win ugly in order to regain top spot in the Premier League.

Last Wednesday's 0-0 draw in the Champions League was the first time this season Arsenal had failed to find the net and Almunia believes the Gunners must be prepared to show they have as much hunger for the physical side of the game if they are to extend their unbeaten run to 27 matches.

He said: "This game, we have to show our other side. We are used to playing fantastic football, moving the ball and passing the ball. At Reading, we maybe have to change a bit and be aggressive.

"If we are defensively focused and can move the ball and finish well, we will have no problem in getting a result.î Wenger also had a message for Michel Platini after the UEFA President criticised Arsenal for importing too many young foreign players at the expense of English talent.

Wenger added: "I was absolutely amazed. What he says contravenes UEFA policy. I am for quality rather than where you come from or your background."