Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud says 'something in my soul' told him to remain and fight for his place despite Alexandre Lacazette arrival

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Olivier Giroud says 'something in my soul' convinced him to stay at Arsenal this summer despite the arrival of Alexandre Lacazette. 

Giroud has been relegated to the bench following his fellow France striker joining for £53million, and has been linked with numerous clubs including Everton and West Ham United.

However he showed his worth by scoring the winner against Leicester City on Friday night, and afterwards said his heart remains with the Gunners.

 Olivier Giroud says 'something in my soul' convinced him to stay at Arsenal this summer

 Giroud has been relegated to the bench following Alexandre Lacazette joining for £53million

 Giroud has been linked with numerous clubs but showed his worth off the bench v Leicester

Giroud said after the victory over Leicester: 'To be honest, there was something in my soul and in my heart which told me to stay.

'I have been hesitating because I am the most happy man when I play and I am on the pitch. I keep the faith and I still believe I can have an important part to play this season in the club.

'I feel good in my head and also physically. So I am 100 per cent focused on the club project.'

Giroud scored the winner on Friday night, and afterwards said his heart remains with Arsenal

Giroud joined Arsenal in 2012 from Montpellier and has proved a consistent goalscorer despite often starting on the bench. 

His display against Leicester may convince Arsene Wenger to give him an enhanced role in upcoming trips to Stoke City and Liverpool.

Arsenal beat the Foxes 4-3 in a topsy-turvy Friday night game, having trailed 2-1 and 3-2 at the Emirates Stadium.