Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud wants to stay and fight for his place, says boss Arsene Wenger

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Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud wants to stay at the club and fight for his place despite the arrival of Alexandre Lacazette, manager Arsene Wenger has said.

Giroud struggled for opportunities at Arsenal last season, starting 11 league games after losing his spot to Alexis Sanchez in the starting XI.

The 30-year-old France international could be further bumped down the pecking order by compatriot Lacazette, who arrived at the Emirates Stadium from Lyon for £53million.

Olivier Giroud wants to stay and fight for his place despite the arrival of Alexandre Lacazette

Arsenal's £53million signing Lacazette has further bumped Giroud down the pecking order

Wenger insists that Giroud want to stay at the Emirates and prove himself, an mentality the manager appreciates.

'Giroud fancies the competition,' Wenger told reporters. 'As a manager, you have him on your back, wanting to play.

'He fights hard, you know. I like the way he responds to what's happening. He is focused and determined and showed that on the (pre-season) tour.'

Arsene Wenger insists that Giroud is relishing the new competition and is 'on his back'

Giroud has been linked with moves to Everton and Borussia Dortmund this summer but no deal has yet been reached by either club.

Lyon had hinted they wanted Giroud as part of the Lacazette deal but president of the French club, Jean-Michel Aulas, has confirmed that Wenger would not sanction the departure of the striker.

'I wanted to sign him,' Aulas told Le Progress. 'But Arsene Wenger would not sell him.'