Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has claimed that Olivier Giroud “fancies the competition” of battling countryman Alexandre Lacazette for a starting spot next season.

The 30-year-old hinted at the start of the summer transfer window that he is open to leaving the Emirates Stadium due to a lack of first-team chances last term, when starting just 11 times in the Premier League.

Giroud’s hopes of playing more regular football next season have been hit by the arrival of club-record signing of Lacazette from Lyon earlier this month, likely seeing him behind his compatriot and Alexis Sanchez in the pecking order.

Everton, Marseille, Borussia Dortmund and West Ham United have all been linked with Giroud of late, but Wenger believes that the French striker wants to stay and fight for his place.

“Giroud fancies the competition. As a manager, you have him on your back, wanting to play,” he told reporters. “He fights hard, you know. I like the way he responds to what’s happening. He is focused and determined and showed that on the [pre-season] tour.”

Giroud has scored 98 goals in 226 appearances for Arsenal, including 69 in 164 in the Premier League.
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