Wenger makes a promise to Olivier Giroud after salvaging a point for the Gunners

Arsenal Striker Olivier Giroud at a training ground recently [PHOTO: COURTESY]

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has promised to give his compatriot and Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud more game time as a way of keeping him from departing the club in the looming 2018 January winter window.

Giroud grabbed a header against Southampton to earn the Gunners a late equalizer and save Wenger of defeat in the dying minutes of the game. The French international has been restricted to the bench since the signature of Alexis Sanchez and now Alexandre Lacazette.

The Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has also rubbished rumours suggesting that he would let the French hitman leave in January, after having been linked to Everton.

Speaking shortly after Arsenal-Southampton encounter, Wenger said that he will not allow the former Montpelier man to leave because he recognizes his immense contribution to the team.

“He will start more games...I believe as well it’s always the same when you have many good players, some of them cannot play.” Wenger said while addressing the British media.

This comes after the player was linked to exiting the club. Many teams including the English sides have been reporting to be interested in signing. Everton and Chelsea are some of the clubs that have so far been reported to be trailing Giroud.