Olivier Giroud reveals he has started contract negotiations with Arsenal

Olivier Giroud has apparently begun contract extension talks with Arsenal

Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud has revealed that he wants to extend his stay in north London and is adamant that he will continue to improve in Arsene Wenger’s side.

The Frenchman, who scored two goals during Les Bleus’ victory over Norway in an international friendly earlier this week, was criticised at times last season due to his lack of mobility and goal threat.

However, he recovered from a mid-season slump to finish the campaign as the Gunners’ top scorer in the Premier League and help end the club’s nine year wait for a trophy with victory over Hull City in the FA Cup final.

A £12 million signing from Ligue 1 outfit Montpellier in 2012, the 27-year-old has become a key member of Wenger’s side and is regarded as the undisputed first-choice striker at the club.

Although he still has a sizeable amount of time left on his current deal, Giroud has demonstrated his commitment to Arsenal’s cause by insisting he wants to sign an extension and believes there is still more to come from him in England’s top tier.

“I have two years left on my contract [until June 2016] but we are in negotiations to extend. For now, I am here. There are many great things to do.

“I feel comfortable in the Premier League. My first season; not too bad, I had a pretty good second. I hope to do even better [next season]. I am progressing from year to year, the same as the team,” he told reporters.

Despite Giroud’s determination to stay at the Emirates, manager Wenger is still expected to strengthen his front line, which has seen Arsenal linked to Mario Baolotelli, in order to provide his compatriot with support as the side battle for silverware on four fronts next season