Robert Pires says Olivier Giroud needs to meet with Arsène Wenger and Ivan Gazidis before making a decision on his future.

Giroud, who scored a late equaliser against Southampton on Sunday, is in doubt over his long-term future at Arsenal, due to the lack of playing time in the last 18 months.

However, Pires thinks the 31-year-old should talk with the Arsenal management before making any rash decision.

“The situation is not easy for him [Giroud] because he wants to play and go to the World Cup with France,” he said in the Daily Star. “The first thing I’d do [if I was Giroud] is to talk with Arsène Wenger because he’s the manager.

giroud v watford
Olivier Giroud.

“Giroud is a great player and very important but before making a decision he needs to meet with Arsène and the chief executive Mr. Gazidis. After the meeting he can take a decision but as I understand the situation for Olivier he’s not comfortable actually.”

Giroud admitted he has to ask himself if he should stick around in North London when the transfer window opens in January. There have also been rumours that Borussia Dortmund are targeting the Arsenal man to replace Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

The former Montpellier striker has certainly been performing well lately. That goal against Southampton was the striker’s fourth goal in his last four games in all competitions, strengthening his claim for first-team future.

He could be set to make his first Premier League start against West Ham on Wednesday, should Alexandre Lacazette be given a rest. My view is Giroud will get enough games if he sticks around.

Thanks to Arsenal’s solid performances in the Europa League and League Cup so far, there are plenty of fixtures coming up, and Danny Welbeck doesn’t really seem to be threatening to oust him as second-choice centre-forward.

But perhaps a conversation with Wenger would help put any doubts to bed.