Olivier Giroud set to sign new Arsenal contract after constructive talks with Arsene Wenger

James Benge28 December 2016

Olivier Giroud expects to sign a new Arsenal contract in the near future after constructive talks with his manager Arsene Wenger.

The French international striker’s current deal expires in 2018 and Giroud admitted that he had considered whether his future might be away from Arsenal after struggling to establish himself in Wenger’s first-choice XI.

Monday’s 1-0 win over West Brom was Giroud’s first Premier League start of the season, the early part of the campaign having been disrupted by toe injuries, and he made the most of the rare opportunity, scoring the 86th minute winner that got Arsenal back to winning ways.

Speaking after the game the 30-year-old confirmed he is ready to sign an extension to his contract despite knowing he faces a tough task to force Alexis Sanchez from the central striking berth.

“People have been saying I have signed a new contract,” Giroud said. “It is not true but maybe soon.

“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.

In Pictures | Arsenal vs West Brom | 26/12/2016

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“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.”

His superb late header in the Emirates win was not the first time Giroud has made the difference for Arsenal in close encounters this season, having scored a late equaliser against Manchester United at Old Trafford and changed the course of the game when he emerged as a substitute in an October win over Sunderland.

However it may just be the most important, with the late winner ensuring league leaders Chelsea were not able to extend the nine point gulf between them and the Gunners further as they crushed Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge.

Giroud admitted Arsenal could not have afforded to drop yet more points after defeats to Everton and Manchester City.

“It’s been a tough time for me but I’m very happy for the team because we really needed the win,” he added. “The best thing is to keep within distance of Chelsea.

“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.

“For me it was physically hard because it has been more than one month since I started a game. I think we have shown big strength and physically if you are a bit down you have to be stronger mentally.”

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