Former Arsenal veteran and French legend Robert Pires has urged Olivier Giroud to speak to Arsene Wenger over the club's plans for his future in January as he is perceptively not happy with a lack of game time at the Emirates. Giroud came on to score the equaliser against Southampton last weekend, with less than three minutes left on the clock.

He has now amassed four goals in the league, all off the bench, and is yet to make a single start thus far, which has led to questions over his place in the World Cup squad for Russia next year. Giroud has 247 appearances for the Gunners since arriving at the Emirates but has not been able to get out of the squad for cup competitions this season.

He has started all of Arsenal's games in the Europa League and the Carabao Cup. The France international had the chance to leave the north London club during the summer transfer window following the arrival of Lacazette but chose to remain and fight for his place.

However, he has now been asked to consider his future by France assistant coach Guy Stephan, stating that this can't go on if he has to consider his plans for the year ahead. Pires also wants Giroud to get into talks with the top crop at the Emirates before things go out of hand.

"I saw a good reaction [from Arsenal] when Southampton scored and a good professional like Olivier Giroud making an impact," Pires told Goal. "The situation is not easy for him [Giroud] because he wants to play and go to the World Cup with France.

"As a player he's not comfortable but this is football and Arsene Wenger has a selection dilemma on who to pick over Giroud and Lacazette right now. The first thing I'd do [if I was Giroud] is to talk with Arsene Wenger because he's the manager.

"Giroud is a great player and very important but before making a decision he needs to meet with Arsene and the chief executive Mr Gazidis. After the meeting he can take a decision but as I understand the situation for Olivier he's not comfortable actually."

Olivier Giroud
Giroud has been great off the bench for Arsenal.
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