With the signing of Alexandre Lacazette having been completed, questions have been asked about the future of Olivier Giroud at Arsenal.

As the Frenchman approaches his 31st birthday, Olivier has had his next season at Arsenal called into question by fans and pundits under the impression that Lacazette was brought in to replace him.

He’s been linked with a £20m move to Everton, West Ham United, Marseille and Lyon this summer but seems keen to continue his career at Arsenal.

Giroud signed a new contract extension with Arsenal earlier this year, keeping him in North London until at least the summer of 2019, and has always reiterated to the media his desire to stay at the club.

When asked by the Sydney press about Giroud’s future, Arsène Wenger gave the same response, that the Gunners want to keep him at the club. As reported on the Arsenal website, Wenger also stated how important he thinks Olivier is, saying:

“He has a great value to the squad and I think as well he is a great lover of the club. He loves the club and has always been very determined to stay.”

He then described having to navigate various strikers desires to the benefit of the team as “part of the job“. Olivier managed 16 goals in limited appearances in the all competitions last season, and has brought his total with the Gunners to 98 goals across his five-year stay.

If Giroud can carry last season’s form into 2017/18, and Lacazette can do the same, Arsenal will have no trouble getting goals. So for the benefit of the club, most Arsenal fans will be hoping what Wenger says is true, and that Olivier does indeed stay.