Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud motivated by Jackson Martinez speculation

Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud says his performances have been motivated by fear he could be replaced at The Emirates Stadium after manager Arsene Wenger publicly declared his interest in FC Porto forward Jackson Martinez.

Martinez has been linked with a £30m move to north London and Wenger is a known admirer of the Colombian international, who himself is keen on a switch to the Premier league.

Giroud remains Arsenal's first choice centre forward having overcome an early season broken leg to displace summer signing Danny Welbeck, and a run of five goals in his last seven games has cemented his role under Wenger.

However, the 28-year-old admits he lives in fear over his role at Arsenal, and ahead of the Champions League last 16 first leg against French compatriots Monaco, Giroud says he is under pressure to maintain his standards in order to retain his place.

"I don't have an inferiority complex. I don't have their name, but -- in terms of stats -- I am just behind [Diego] Costa and [Sergio] Aguero," the France international forward told L'Equipe.

"When people are talking about a player to come and take your place, you take it personally because it's your position. I hear people say, 'They have Giroud and Welbeck but they need a world-class striker.' Meaning, us, we're not world-class forwards.

"It spurs you on. Recently, there was a buzz around [Porto striker] Jackson Martinez. The coach has said good things about him, the player has said he would like to come.

"I learned that before the Middlesbrough game [Arsenal's 2-0 win in the FA Cup]. It gave me added motivation. I was very happy to score those two goals."