Arsenal Striker Olivier Giroud Signs New Two-Year Contract

Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud has reportedly agreed a new contract with the Gunners keeping him at the club till 2018.

According to the Mirror, the French striker has penned a two-year extension to his current deal. His impressive performances in the last couple of seasons have earned him a pay rise and the striker is set to earn around £80,000 a week.

This news will give added confidence to the Arsenal striker, as he is currently sidelined until the new year after undergoing ankle surgery earlier in the season for a broken tibia.

Giroud joined Arsenal in 2012 from Montpellier after helping the Ligue 1 club win their first title in the history of the club. The Frenchman was the top scorer in the French league with 21 goals and nine assists.

The 27-year-old striker played a key role for the north London club last season, after single handedly leading the line for the entire campaign scoring 22 goals in all competitions.

Despite Arsene Wenger signing Danny Welbeck on transfer deadline day, this contract offer shows the amount of faith the manager places on his compatriot.

Meanwhile, striker Welbeck has given his thoughts on his first north London Derby for Arsenal, and reveals his disappointment at not getting all three points from the game.

"It could have been better. We really controlled the game, we had a lot more chances and they got one shot in the second half and it went in so we're a bit disappointed with that. It's disappointing to draw the game," Welbeck said as quoted on Arsenal's official site.

The England international was also not fully pleased with his contribution, but has vowed to work on the training pitch and deliver better performances in the future.

"In the first half I was more of a threat, in the second I didn't really feel like I did as much as I should have. I am a bit disappointed with that and I will work on the training pitch with the rest of the players and hopefully be involved much more throughout our games," the former Manchester United striker added.