Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud has hinted that he is interested in signing a new deal and extend his stay at the club, despite spending the majority of the season on the bench
It has been a difficult season for Arsenal front-man Olivier Giroud thus far. With Alexis Sanchez adapting to a new role as the furthest forward player for the Gunners, Giroud’s outings have been largely restricted to appearances from the bench, with the Frenchman managing to start just three of the 15 games he has been available for this season.
Giroud, who previously expressed his frustration at the lack of first team football action coming his way, had said last month that he would be unwilling to sign a contract extension if chances continued to remain few and far between. This was also a period when the France international was linked with a move to clubs in Italy.
However, as reported by the Guardian, Giroud has now hinted that he could renew his contract at the Emirates Stadium. He said: “People have been saying I have signed a new contract. It is not true but maybe soon.
Giroud also added that despite the disappointment of being benched by Arsene Wenger, he is ready to give his all whenever called upon. He continued, “It is all about keeping the focus high. Always keep working hard at training. Football is an everlasting new beginning, as I used to say, and you always have to keep focused and wait for your time.”
The Frenchman only made his first Premier League start of the season for the Gunners on Boxing Day, as Arsenal faced West Bromwich Albion at the Emirates Stadium. And he made a positive impression on his boss, as he headed in the winner late into the game to be his side’s saviour on the night.
Teammate Theo Walcott – whose absence afforded Giroud the start against the Potters on Monday – is expected to remain on the sidelines for another week, which could see the French striker being preferred up front by Wenger in matches against Crystal Palace and Bournemouth.
Danny Welbeck will be returning to the first team fold soon, after recovering from a knee injury, and Lucas Perez is waiting in the wings for a chance himself. So, with an abundance of options for Wenger to choose, this is Giroud’s golden chance at carving a place for himself in Wenger’s plans for the rest of the season.