France Assistant Urges Olivier Giroud to Consider Arsenal Future or Face World Cup Axe

Arsenal forward Olivier Giroud has been urged to consider his future at the Emirates Stadium or face missing out on France's World Cup squad.

France's assistant coach Guy Stephan has warned the forward that he faces missing out on Didier Deschamps' 23-man squad next year, unless his playing time increases over the next few months.

Speaking to French TV channel TF1, Stephan said, "It's clear that playing time is not enough, and Didier has had the opportunity to talk to him about it. Olivier has to find a solution in the weeks to come. A loan deal in January? That's up to him."

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The 31-year old has been limited to 234 minutes in the Premier League this season, with his 12 appearances all coming from the substitutes bench. He has featured more often in the Europa League and Carabao Cup this season, scoring five goals across all competitions.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has preferred Giroud's France international colleague Alexandre Lacazette this season, with the summer signing scoring eight goals in 15 appearances since joining from Lyon.

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His lack of game time may now jeopardise his chances of being picked in a French national side that boasts a wealth of attacking options. Alexandre Lacazette, Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe, Anthony Martial and Ousmane Dembele are among the options at Deschamps' disposal.

Giroud was strongly linked with a move away from the Emirates Stadium during the transfer window, but opted to stay and fight for his place. 

Giroud has made 247 appearances during his Gunners career so far, but is likely to be chased again by Everton when the transfer window opens again in January.