Olivier Giroud has said he wants to stay at Arsenal amid speculation that he could leave, with interest rife for his signature.

  • Giroud has been linked with Everton, West Ham, Marseille and Lyon
  • Lacazette’s arrival could cut into Giroud’s game time
  • Giroud would prefer to stay at Arsenal

Speculation about the 30-year-old’s future has been rife as it became clear Arsenal would be bringing in another striker this summer. With Alexandre Lacazette close to joining, Giroud’s chances of being a first team regular next season have taken a significant hit and could result in him leaving the club.

There’s been plenty of interest in the striker. Marseille and Lyon are both keen to bring him back to France, while domestically Everton have joined West Ham in the race to sign him. According to The Mirror, Everton are believed to be preparing a £20m bid for the Frenchman, who could ultimately end up replacing Romelu Lukaku.

Despite this, Giroud would prefer to stay at Arsenal. Speaking to the Arsenal Weekly Podcast, he said: “I won a few titles in my career, that is an important thing, but there is another thing which is important for me. And that’s the people [see you as a] loyal warrior on the pitch – that you always give your best for the team.

“And that’s why I want to carry on my good journey at Arsenal and I always want to give my best. I would love to win another title, or maybe more until the end of my contract. The motivation is here, always doing your best to make your family proud.”

Although Giroud wouldn’t be a first team regular next season, it has been reported that he’d be confident of competing with Lacazette for a starting spot, as he does for the French national team.