Arsene Wenger insists he wants Olivier Giroud to stay at Arsenal for the remainder of the season despite not being able to guarantee the France striker a starting role.
Giroud is contemplating a January move in order to ensure he does not miss out on the World Cup at Russia 2018 with a host of options available for Les Bleus in the attacking department.
But Wenger insists there will be plenty of game time for the 31-year-old and that he wants him to stay and not merely as a substitute.
“No, he’s not a sub for me. He’s a very good player. I have plenty of good strikers. I cannot play them all together," Wenger admitted.
“He’s a very important player. I have great respect. I am a great admirer of Giroud.
“Personally, I want him to stay at the club until the end of the season then we will see.”
Giroud was also given a heads up to prepare for the Gunners' busy festive schedule, which includes five games inside 18 days, starting with the midweek visit of West Ham on Wednesday.
“When you have three games in six days like this week, there will be an opportunity to start," Wenger added.