Arsene Wenger warns Olivier Giroud he must 'accept my decisions' but insists he will remain at Arsenal

The Frenchman was considering leaving the Gunners if he didn't get game time

Tuesday 11 July 2017 12:21

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Arsene Wenger has ruled out selling Olivier Giroud this summer amidst reports Everton want him as they continue their impressive summer recruitment.

The Toffees were reportedly looking to add the Frenchman to their cluster of new signings which already include strikers Wayne Rooney and Sandro Ramirez.

But it is understood Ronald Koeman still wants more new signings with Michael Keane, Jordan Pickford and Davy Klaassen all also on Merseyside.

How could Arsenal line up this season?

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1/12How could Arsenal line up this season?

How could Arsenal line up next season?

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Cech may have been dropped for the FA Cup final, but the experienced shot-stopper is unlikely to lose his Premier League place anytime soon. The goalkeeper will turn 36 next season and yet he remains one of Arsenal’s best players.

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The German defender enjoyed a solid debut campaign in English football, making 37 appearances in all competitions for the club. Still only 25 and will improve next season, with a year of English football already under his belt.

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His poor discipline cost Arsenal in a couple of vital games, but he remains an important, influential player. There have been rumours Marseille have made Koscielny their top transfer target this summer, but it is highly unlikely Arsenal will sell.

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After impressing with his maturity and composure in a back-three last season, there's every chance Arsene Wenger could place his faith in the youngster once again for the new campaign.

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Arsenal’s first signing of the summer. A versatile 23-year-old defender, Kolasinac plays predominantly at left-back but expect Wenger to have him push on.

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Attracted a lot of criticism for his displays last season, but grew in confidence throughout the campaign and has the talent to become a vital player for Arsenal over the coming seasons. A superb distributor of the ball.

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One of Arsenal's most technically-gifted players and the glue that keeps the side's midfield together. Doubts over his fitness and whether he's got another season left in him, but should he be firing on all cylinders Wenger will want to make full use of him.

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Still negotiating a contract extension with the club. His performance levels dipped alarmingly last season, but when he is in form, he remains one of the finest passers of the ball in the world.

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Mahrez recently announced his intentions to leave Leicester this summer and Wenger refused to rule out a move for the Premier League champion. Mahrez would bring real flair to Arsenal's side, as well as the ability to make something out of nothing.

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The instinctive centre-forward that Arsenal have longed for ever since Robin van Persie's departure. Industrious and physical, he'll bring a tough edge to Arsenal's front line.

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Giroud had hinted he would consider his position at the club based on how much first-team football he thought he would get in a World Cup year, but Wenger has moved to make it clear he expects the 30-year-old to challenge new signing Alexandre Lacazette for a starting berth.

“We extended his (Giroud’s) contract last year,” said Wenger, after touching down in Sydney for the club’s preseason tour.

“Our resolution is clear. He’s been great value to the squad and I think he is a great lover of the club. He’s always been very determined to stay.

“It’s always the same problem - when you have one striker people ask ‘why don’t buy another?’ and when you have two or three they say they will be unhappy because there is too much competition. That’s part of the job.

“We are in a job where we are very lucky to do what we love but it is competitive job and that means the players have to accept competition and my decisions as well, unfortunately.”