Olivier Giroud has dismissed suggestions he has already signed a new deal with Arsenal but hints a renewal could be announced in the near future.
The 30-year-old has dropped down the pecking order at Arsenal this season after Arsene Wenger decided to put Alexis Sanchez through the middle with devastating success.
Giroud’s lack of game time this season had led to suggestions the France international could be on his way out of the north London club, but the striker, whose current deal is due to expire in 2018, has revealed a new deal is dependent on his playing time.
“People have been saying I have signed a new contract. It is not true but maybe soon,” Giroud told The Daily Mirror. “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.
“This season has been difficult because also I was injured for a month and a half so it hasn’t been easy. But it is all about keeping the focus high. Always keep working hard at training. I was speaking with the boss, we had a couple of discussions together and he explained to me why I hadn’t played too much until now.
“But football is an everlasting new beginning, as I used to say, and you always have to keep focused and wait for your time. This time I played, I tried to give everything for the team and hopefully things will change for me.
“But as long as the team is getting better I am happy and I am part of the club for five years and I want to carry on. But we have to see, I need more time of games but we will see in the future.”
Giroud started his first league game of the season in Arsenal’s 1-0 win over West Brom on Boxing Day, in which the Frenchman scored a late winner for the Gunners to maintain their nine-point deficit behind leagues Chelsea.
Despite only mustering 716 minutes of action across league and European competition for Arsenal this season, Giroud is still playing a decisive part in a goal every 71.6 minutes over the two competitions.
For more stats on Olivier Giroud, click here to visit his WhoScored player page
