Olivier Giroud’s rather odd interview with the French press this week appears to have put the likes of Napoli and AC Milan on high alert.

The striker appeared to issue Arsene Wenger with a warning: play me or I leave when my contract expires in 2018.

“I know that he supports me,” the 30-year-old said to L’Equipe.

“But… this (lack of playing time) cannot go on for too long and cannot happen too often. It is beginning to wear off… Against Sunderland, I scored a brace on the first two balls that I touched. That does not happen to me everyday.

“I hoped to play against Tottenham because I was coming off the back of two good matches. I was a bit disappointed, but I am not the type of person to throw my toys out of the pram.”

He added, “I see my future at Arsenal until the date my contract ends.

“I feel good here and I want to play at the highest level for as long as possible.”

Arsenal's French forward Olivier Giroud celebrates after scoring a goal during the UEFA Champions League Group A football match between PFC Ludogorets and Arsenal, on November 1, 2016 at the Vassil Levski stadium in Sofia. (DIMITAR DILKOFF/AFP/Getty Images)
Arsenal’s French forward Olivier Giroud celebrates after scoring a goal during the UEFA Champions League Group A football match between PFC Ludogorets and Arsenal, on November 1, 2016 at the Vassil Levski stadium in Sofia. (DIMITAR DILKOFF/AFP/Getty Images)

The revelation has reportedly attracted the attention Napoli and AC Milan, who, according to Milan News, could move for him in January now that they know he’s open to a move.

Giroud has found it hard to get much game time this season.

First of all he wasn’t fully fit following his involvement in the Euro 2016 final for France, then he was sidelined for weeks with an injured toe and now Alexis has hit form up front. We all know how set in his ways Wenger is and how he sticks to the ‘if it ain’t broke don’t fix it’ mentality.

Therefore, it doesn’t seem likely that Giroud will magically start getting more game time unless Alexis is sidelined, which he might well be depending on the severity of his current calf injury.

Serie A would be a good move where big target men can do well – just look at Gonzalo Higuaín. Plus, if we sell in sooner rather than later we could cash in. It’ll be a shame to see him go but you can understand why he would.