Arsene Wenger says he wants Olivier Giroud to stay and fight for his place at Arsenal - despite reports linking the French international with a loan move in January.
Despite having plenty of choices in attack, West Ham are one of several clubs to have been linked with a short-term loan move for the French star who has one eye on next summer's World Cup Finals.Embed from Getty Images
However Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger - who brings his side to east London tomorrow night for another big London derby - says he would prefer to keep Giroud at the Emirates.
"He’s a very good player," Wenger told reporters. "I have plenty of good strikers, but I cannot play them all together.
"He’s a very important player I have great respect for. I am a great admirer of Giroud. If you look at his career since he came here, look how many French caps he’s got since he has been at Arsenal, he has not wasted his time.
"I can understand the frustration of every player that doesn’t play, but that’s part of the job when you go to a big club. But when you have three games in six days like this week, there will be an opportunity to start.
"Personally, I want him to stay at the club until the end of the season, then we will see."
The 31-year-old forward - who is also said to be on Crystal Palace's radar - has spent the last five years at Arsenal, but fears he could lose his spot in France's World Cup squad if he isn't playing on a regular basis.
West Ham were previously linked with a move for Giroud last summer, but the club's interest fell through when he insisted he was happy at Arsenal.
"I am Arsenal player and for the moment I am here," he said. "I just want to prepare well for the season and we will see later. I’ve been here for five years - next year could be my sixth one and I am still an Arsenal player for the moment."
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