Speaking to ESPN, former Arsenal striker Paul Mariner has stated that Olivier Giroud will not be sold by Arsene Wenger in January.

Despite enjoying a very productive campaign last term, Olivier Giroud has struggled to earn regular minutes on the pitch for Arsenal during the current campaign and this is due to the fact that Alexis Sanchez has managed to flourish in the striker’s role.

Due to the lack of minutes coming his way, Giroud has made subtle hints that he could potentially be leaving Arsenal if the situation does not change soon and there have been reports that a host of clubs from Italy are open to the idea of signing the French international.

At 30, Giroud may well feel that he is too old to be playing as a backup striker and many believe that if a good offer comes along, the former Montpellier star could well be on his way out of the Emirates Stadium during the January transfer window.

Amid all the talk regarding Giroud’s potential exit, former Arsenal man Peter Mariner has gone on to state his belief that although the striker is not the man who will guide the Gunners to the title, Arsene Wenger will surely not allow him to leave during the January transfer window due to lack of cover in the attacking positions at the moment.

Giroud not the man to guide Arsenal to the title

Mariner told ESPN, "Giroud is not the man to take Arsenal to the Premier League title. Alexis Sanchez when he’s been playing in that role – we can see what he’s been doing – he is absolutely terrific. But I can’t see Arsenal selling Giroud with so little cover.

"He’s [Arsene Wenger] not going to play [Theo] Walcott or [Alex] Iwobi up there and we don’t know when we’re going to see Welbeck again. I just can’t see that happening."

With Arsenal gunning for the title this season, it would surely not be a wise decision to get rid of Giroud and the striker will eventually come good for the Gunners this season – especially with Alexis Sanchez potentially struggling with injury.