France international Olivier Giroud has hinted that he is close to penning a contract extension at Arsenal. The 30-year-old made his first league start of the season over the weekend as he bagged the sole goal in his side’s 1-0 win over West Bromwich Albion.
Giroud, who joined the North London giants from Montpellier for £12m in 2012, has been much of a super sub in the Premier League this season with manager Arsene Wenger opting to play Alexis Sanchez in the centre-forward role.
After defeats versus Everton and Manchester City, both by a 2-1 scoreline, Wenger chose to recall to Giroud to his starting line-up, and he proved his worth by a scoring a late header to give his side all three points against a resurgent West Bromwich Albion.
In an exclusive on Sky Sports, the Frenchman admitted that he has had a tough time at the Emirates this term, and some of it is due to his injury niggles during the opening stages of the campaign.
I came back a bit late from the Euros and it was nice for my body because I could rest but not good for me because the team was doing well and another striker was doing well up front,” he told Sky Sports.
This season has been difficult because also I was injured for a month and a half so it hasn’t been easy.
I don’t want to talk too much about me but it was a big day for me, but a turning point for the team because if we didn’t win we would have been in trouble.
People have been saying I have signed a new contract. It is not true but maybe soon.
Giroud may not have had the best time of his career this term, but manager Arsene Wenger insists he still has a great bond with the player, who he deems as a fighter (Via ESPN).
Despite his criticism at Arsenal over the years, Giroud remains a fan favourite at Arsenal and his tally of 61 league goals in the past four-and-a-half seasons is only bettered by Sergio Aguero and Romelu Lukaku.
The marksman currently has 18 months left on his present deal and the club’s hierarchy are likely to offer him an extended deal which could see him prolong his career at Arsenal beyond 2020.( via The Sun)
