Olivier Giroud opens the door for a potential January exit from Arsenal

Olivier Giroud has opened the door for a potential exit from Arsenal during the January transfer window saying that he needs to play more regularly to ensure he keeps his place in the France national team for next summer's World Cup in Russia.

The Gunners striker has seen his game time reduce drastically this season following the arrival Alexandre Lacazette, who is the manager's preferred choice in the Premier League.

Giroud's 13 appearances in the league thus far have come from the bench. He equalled Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's record for most substitute goals scored for one Premier League club with his 17th strike off the bench against Southampton at the weekend (10 December).

The Frenchman's starts this campaign have come in the Europa League and the Carabao Cup. Wenger has promised him further starts in the league, but they are yet to come as the manager is not keen to change a working formula.

The France international has been warned that his place in the national team could be in danger if he does not play regularly, especially since he remains a key player for Didier Deschamps. The Les Blues assistant coach has implored Giroud to consider his future in January, if he continues to remain an option from the bench rather than a starter.

The 31-year-old is a fan favourite at the Emirates Stadium, especially after he turned down a number of opportunities in the summer to commit his future to the club. But Giroud has said that he will look at the opportunities again in January and evaluate his situation with the possibility of leaving still on the table.

"I have the World Cup at the back of my mind weekly, almost daily. Each time I go onto the pitch, it's to be more clinical and keep on track for the World Cup," Giroud told L'Equipe, as quoted by the Sun.

"During international get-togethers, the coach usually warns me against that [leaving Arsenal]. He has told me the things he wanted to tell me, which is totally logical and I understand. He wants me to play more.

"If I wasn't able to leave this summer, it was because of the opportunities I had. It wouldn't have been good to leave for leaving's sake, but it's certain that eventually, even in January, I'm going to have to ask myself the question again," the French forward explained.

"It won't be easy to find the right solution and take the right decision, but we'll look at the opportunities."

However, Wenger has ruled out the possibility of allowing Giroud to leave the club midway through the campaign. The former Montpellier forward remains a key part of the manager's plans especially as the club continues to challenge on four fronts – the Premier League, the Carabao Cup, the Europa League and the FA Cup.