Olivier Giroud says he has no plans to leave Arsenal during the January transfer window, despite his inability to break into Arsene Wenger’s Premier League line-up.
Giroud has not started a single Premier League game this campaign, as Wenger prefers Alexis Sanchez and Alexandre Lacazette, prompting speculation of a transfer when the winter market opens.
But Giroud retains the faith of France manager Didier Deschamps, who prefers Giroud ahead of Lacazette, meaning that Giroud does not have to leave for first-team football during a World cup season.
Giroud, who has scored 70 goals in 118 Premier League starts since joining Arsenal in 2012 to possess one of the best strikes-per-minute ratio of any player, was picked up front for France’s friendly against Wales and found the net in a fine performance.
It was his 29th goal in 69 caps and he seems content that he will earn a place in the French team at the World Cup while only featuring sporadically for his club.
‘I’m sure Arsene was watching, especially because Aaron (Ramsey) was playing too,’ said Giroud. ‘He’s always supporting me and there is a lot of trust in each other. He trusts in me and I try to give it back on the pitch when I can.
‘For the moment I am not questioning myself about my future. I am happy at Arsenal and I am fine with the decision to stay because I want to.
‘I am thinking that the story between the club and myself was not over and not finished. We will see what happens but I am happy at Arsenal for the moment.’ Giroud believes he is still at the peak of his powers. He added: ‘It’s my 29th goal for France so I still have to score one more goal to reach Jean-Pierre Papin who was one of my favourite players.
‘It’s always a pleasure to play for the national team and I think we played a good game. We have a better understanding on the pitch now especially with the young players so we are very delighted.
‘My best season was 2015-2016 when I scored 34 goals with Arsenal and the national team, including the Euros.
‘Usually I play a bit less with Arsenal but I always try to keep my efficiency high. That’s most important for me. I keep believing in my quality and I keep the faith. I have a lot of objectives with Arsenal and my country so I always try to move forward and keep scoring.
