Arsenal striker Kanu has told manager Arsene Wenger that he may be forced to leave the club in search of regular football.

The Nigerian is competing with Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp, Sylvain Wiltord and Francis Jeffers for a starting spot at Highbury.

Kanu has played in three of Arsenal's four league games this season but has yet to play for a full 90 minutes.

"I realise how important it is to have a large squad if you are to win the championship but that does not always help every player," the striker told the News Of The World.

"I need to play every week. It is difficult if you have not been playing regularly and then you are asked to come into the side and perform at your best.

"I am hoping that by next year it will be impossible for the boss to leave me out.

"If that is not the case I will take a close look at my career and think about the future.

"I feel good now and this is why I hope to give my best to Arsenal. The big question though is whether my best will suit the side."

The news comes in the same week that team-mate Francis Jeffers admitted that he too may have to leave Highbury if he fails to make a first-team breakthrough.