Pires claims Olivier Giroud is ‘not comfortable’ at Arsenal
Arsenal legend Robert Pires has claimed that Olivier Giroud is currently in an uncomfortable situation at the club.
Speaking exclusively to Goal, the former Gunners winger discussed the predicament Giroud finds himself in at the Emirates and sympathised with the player.
The first thing I’d do [if I was Giroud] is to talk with Arsene Wenger because he’s the manager. Giroud is a great player and very important but before making a decision he needs to meet with Arsene 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.
The ex-Montpellier striker has been used largely as an impact substitute by Arsene Wenger in the opening chunk of the season but has provided when he has been called upon. This was exemplified by his equaliser in the 88th minute on Sunday, as Arsenal snatched a point at Southampton.
Giroud has been linked with a move away from the Gunners in recent times and is understood to be open to the idea of leaving on loan in the January transfer window.
With the World Cup ahead in the summer, Giroud is sure to be keen on making his mark in the second half of the Premier League season to ensure he is in Didier Deschamps’ plans.
The situation is not easy for him [Giroud] because he wants to play and go to the World Cup with France. As a player he’s not comfortable but this is football and Arsene Wenger has a selection dilemma on who to pick over Giroud and Lacazette right now.