According to reports in The Telegraph, former Everton target Olivier Giroud says he has no regrets about his decision to stay with Arsenal during the summer transfer window.
What’s the word, then?
Well, despite finding first-team opportunities hard to come by for the Gunners in the Premier League this season after losing his spot to Alexandre Lacazette, Giroud claims he is happy that he stayed put.
The 31-year-old is still first choice for France over his club teammate, and The Telegraph says he isn’t intending to reconsider his situation in January.
The report adds that the centre-forward could have joined the Toffees, Premier League rivals West Ham United and Marseille in the summer, but with Alexis Sanchez’s future in doubt Arsene Wenger is keen to keep him.
What did Giroud say?
According to The Telegraph, he said: “I am happy at Arsenal and I am fine with the decision to stay because I want to.
“I am thinking that the story between the club and myself was not over and not finished. We will see what happens but I am happy at Arsenal for the moment.”
How has he done this season?
Despite his lack of Premier League football – he has featured for just 176 minutes in the English top flight – the Frenchman has still made 17 appearances in all competitions, scoring three goals.
Could he still leave?
The fact that he still appears to be first choice for France ahead of the World Cup next summer should mean that Giroud is content with his situation, and his game time up until January could be the key to deciding whether he stays or goes in the New Year.
Would Everton still want him?
They certainly would.
The Toffees failed to replace Romelu Lukaku during the summer transfer window and they have paid the price so far this season, with the lack of a centre-forward up top.
It is certainly an area that the Merseyside outfit will be looking to strengthen in January, but it remains to be seen whether they could tempt the 31-year-old to move to Goodison Park.
