Arsenal Set to Offer Striker Olivier Giroud New Two-Year Contract

Arsenal have begun talks with striker Olivier Giroud about a contract extension with the club. The Frenchman has two years remaining on his current deal.

According to the Independent, Arsene Wenger is keen to tie down the Frenchman to a new deal as he considers him to be a key part of Arsenal's future.

Giroud joined the Gunners in 2012 after helping Montpellier win the Ligue 1 title in his final campaign with the French club. He has played 98 games for Arsenal in his two seasons scoring 39 goals in all competitions.

The north London club are offering Giroud a two-year extension, which will keep him at the club till 2018. There were rumours earlier in the summer that the former Montpellier striker will be leaving the club after getting embroiled in some off-field controversies.

The speculation increased following the arrival of Alexis Sanchez from Barcelona. It was believed that he was a direct replacement for the French international. However, Wenger sees them both fitting in together in the squad, with the Chilean earmarked for the wide role either on the left or right side of the Arsenal midfield.

Giroud had an impressive 2013-14 campaign with the Gunners, scoring 16 goals and providing eight assists and also played a key role in helping Arsenal win the FA Cup, their first trophy in nine years.

The 27-year-old striker recently returned to training after his post-World Cup holiday and Arsenal will hope to wrap up negotiations and convince the player to put pen to paper, so he can concentrate on the new season ahead.

Arsenal fans can expect to see a glimpse of the Giroud-Sanchez partnership this weekend at the Emirates cup, which is a tournament hosted by the Gunners as their final pre-season preparations before the start of the Premier League campaign.