Arsenal story not finished, insists frozen-out Giroud

OLIVIER GIROUD plans to stay at Arsenal beyond January, despite being left out of Arsene Wenger’s top flight line-ups.

The 31-year-old was close to moving to Everton during the summer but chose to fight for his place because ‘the story was not finished’.

Wenger has not started Giroud in a single Premier League game this season, prompting speculation of a transfer when the winter market opens. The Frenchman, though, insists he is satisfied to stay at Arsenal. He is chosen for Europa League and Carabao Cup matches and retains the faith of his national manager, Didier Deschamps.

Giroud, who has scored 70 goals in 118 Premier League starts since joining Arsenal in 2012 to possess one of the best strikes-perminute ratio of any player, was picked up front for France’s friendly against Wales on Friday and found the net in a fine performance. It was his 29th goal in 69 games and he seems content that he will earn a place in the French team at the World Cup while only featuring sporadically for his club.

‘I’m sure Arsene was watching. He’s always supporting me and there is a lot of trust in each other,’ he said. ‘For the moment I am not questioning myself about my future. I am happy at Arsenal and I am fine with the decision to stay.’

STOKE CITY are handing a trial to Danish winger Frederik Pedersen.

The 17-year-old from FK Viborg will play for Stoke in a youth team friendly against Aston Villa today.

Pedersen can play on either wing or behind the striker.