Arsene Wenger wants Olivier Giroud to stay until the end of the season amid fears of exodus of stars at Arsenal

  • Olivier Giroud is growing frustrated with a lack of starts at Arsenal this season
  • Arsene Wenger said he understands concerns but doesn't want him leaving
  • Wenger was coy on status of negotiations with Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez

By Jack Bezants for MailOnline

Published: | Updated:

Arsene Wenger says he understands Olivier Giroud's frustration at a lack of starts at Arsenal but hopes the striker remains at the club until the end of the season.

Giroud came off the bench to snatch a point at Southampton on Sunday with a late header and has been largely restricted to substitute appearances so far this season.

The striker has been linked with a January exit in search of regular first-team football to help secure a place in France's squad for the 2018 World Cup.

Arsene Wenger said he understands Olivier Giroud's desire to start more games for Arsenal

Arsene Wenger said he understands Olivier Giroud's desire to start more games for Arsenal

Giroud came off the bench to score a late header at Southampton and earn Arsenal a 1-1 draw

Giroud came off the bench to score a late header at Southampton and earn Arsenal a 1-1 draw

'Personally I want him to say until the end of the season and then we see,' Wenger said at his press conference ahead of Wednesday's match against West Ham. 


'Of course, I can give you 10 more cases, every player who doesn't play wants to start in the Premier League. When you have three games in six days, like we have, then there is an opportunity for some to start. 

'I speak to all my players but it is very difficult to speak what we talk about openly.

'He is a very important player, I have big respect and I am an admirer. Look at how many French caps he has got since being at Arsenal, he has not wasted his time.'

Speculation surrounding the future of Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez continues to rumble on, as well.

Wenger was coy on talks about the future of Arsenal and Germany playmaker Mesut Ozil

Wenger was coy on talks about the future of Arsenal and Germany playmaker Mesut Ozil

Wenger said his door is always open for talks with players such as Ozil and Alexis Sanchez

Wenger said his door is always open for talks with players such as Ozil and Alexis Sanchez

Sportsmail reported on Monday that Arsenal have tabled a new offer worth around £300,000-a-week to Ozil as they try to avoid losing the German on a free transfer next summer.

Wenger refused to be drawn on the status of either player.

'Negotiations are always going on with everybody, our door is always open and I cannot tell you much more. At the moment that is all we can say.' 

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