Giroud may not be getting much game time at the moment but that doesn’t mean he’s considering his future at the Emirates.
Olivier Giroud has played down speculation linking him with Serie A giants Napoli and AC Milan, claiming that he plans to stay at Arsenal for the foreseeable future, Calciomercato report.
The Frenchman was in superb form for his country at Euro 2016, providing an excellent outlet for Antoine Griezmann in particular, but paid the price for suffering a knee injury on international duty as he returned to the Emirates firmly behind Alexis Sanchez in the pecking order.
Sanchez has usurped Giroud in the centre-forward position in recent months, scoring six Premier League goals this season while offering a more mobile, direct threat capable of dropping off and running in behind, allowing Arsene Wenger to field a more dynamic attacking unit.
Giroud offered a timely reminder of his qualities with well-taken goals against Sunderland and Ludogorets, but that has not prevented speculation that Wenger is prepared to part ways with a striker who continues to divide opinion even after four seasons as the club’s almost undisputed first-choice centre forward.
However, the 30-year-old claims that there is no truth in such rumours and that he is determined to fight for his place.
“At the moment, the boss has preferred to play Alexis Sanchez as the main striker,” Giroud said, according to Calciomercato.
“This is because I’ve been out of the squad with injury so now it’s time for me to try to win my starting place back.
“The coach makes his choices and I respect this, I need to get back to full fitness then we’ll see what happens. One thing is for certain however and that is that my future is with Arsenal.”
Giroud has started just once for Arsenal all season and The Sun reported recently that Napoli and Milan were keen to take advantage of his diminishing status in North London.
However, the former Montpellier man could prove an essential figure as Arsenal aim to end their thirteen year wait for a Premier League title, with his aerial prowess and physicality offering a viable alternative to the diminutive Sanchez when pitched against deep lying defences.
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