Olivier Giroud open to Arsenal exit in January, confirms agent

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Olivier Giroud is open to moves away from Arsenal in the new year, according to his agent, but will not force his way out of the club.

Last week’s game against West Ham was the first the Frenchman had started all season as he looks to ensure himself of more minutes on the pitch ahead of next summer’s Russia World Cup.

He has mainly been used as an impact substitute by Arsene Wenger so far this season despite starting for France but if he is continued to use so sparingly by the Gunners then he risks missing out next summer altogether.

Wenger has previously stated he has no interest in selling Giroud this January, despite him nearly joining Everton last summer, but his agent Michael Manuello said the 31-year-old will consider his future next month.

“It can make things complicated,” Manuello told Foot Mercato. “But conflict, that kind of thing, is not in Olivier's nature, nor in mine. We always work in harmony. It is normal for Arsene to take this position publicly and we do not have to comment on it.

“Now, depending on the offers which are made, we will sit around a table and talk. The most important thing is to know what is going to be offered or not this winter to find a better game project. Now, again, this project has to present itself.”

Before turning down Everton, Giroud was also linked with a move to Marseille but Manuello insisted that if his client does leave Arsenal, it will not be for a Ligue 1 return.

“It will be outside France if there is one (a transfer),” he added. “There will be approaches. All clubs looking for an attacker are likely to come.

"We have to be careful and if there is something obvious, we will try to convince Arsene to reconsider what has been said.”