Arsenal's Giroud considers January with World Cup in mind

Arsenal purveyor of timely goals Olivier Giroud admits he may have to leave the club in January in hopes of securing a spot in Didier Deschamps' France squad for the World Cup in Russia.

Giroud, 31, has yet to start a Premier League match this season after fellow Les Bleus international forward Alexandre Lacazette snatched first-choice duties from his countryman.

"I have the World Cup at the back of my mind weekly, almost daily," Giroud told L'Equipe. "Each time I go onto the pitch, it's to be more clinical and keep on track for the World Cup."

Giroud's 29 international goals in 69 appearances are seventh-best among Les Bleus. Relegated to 13 substitute appearances in England and a starting spot in the Europa League, Giroud was the subject of interest in the summer from Everton, but ultimately rejected the advances of then-Toffees gaffer Ronald Koeman to stay in north London.

He adds, however, that Deschamps has cautioned him against a move in January.

"During international get-togethers, the coach usually warns me against that," Giroud offered. "He has told me the things he wanted to tell me, which is totally logical and I understand. He wants me to play more. If I wasn't able to leave this summer, it was because of the opportunities I had."

With a congested slate of holiday fixtures on the horizon, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger says his stately striker will be afforded more opportunities.

"He will start more games," Wenger asserted, according to ESPN FC's Ian Holyman. "I believe as well it's always the same when you have many good players - some of them cannot play. The question you get is always, 'Why does the guy who is good not play?'"

Giroud's point-salvaging late header Sunday at Southampton was his fourth league goal of the campaign. He's also scored three times in the Europa League for one of Europe's best goal-to-minute ratios.