Olivier Giroud of Arsenal passes against N'Golo Kante of Chelsea during the pre-season friendly match at Birds Nest Stadium on July 22, 2017 in Beijing, China. Yifan Ding / Getty Images
Olivier Giroud of Arsenal passes against N'Golo Kante of Chelsea during the pre-season friendly match at Birds Nest Stadium on July 22, 2017 in Beijing, China. Yifan Ding / Getty Images
Olivier Giroud of Arsenal passes against N'Golo Kante of Chelsea during the pre-season friendly match at Birds Nest Stadium on July 22, 2017 in Beijing, China. Yifan Ding / Getty Images
Olivier Giroud of Arsenal passes against N'Golo Kante of Chelsea during the pre-season friendly match at Birds Nest Stadium on July 22, 2017 in Beijing, China. Yifan Ding / Getty Images

Arsene Wenger: Olivier Giroud ready to fight for his place at Arsenal


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Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud wants to stay at the club and fight for his place despite the arrival of Alexandre Lacazette, manager Arsene Wenger has said.

Giroud struggled for opportunities at Arsenal last season, starting 11 league games after losing his spot to Alexis Sanchez in the lineup.

The 30-year-old France international could be further bumped down the pecking order by compatriot Lacazette, who arrived at the Emirates Stadium from Lyon for a reported to £46.5 million (Dh222m).

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"Giroud fancies the competition," Wenger told reporters. "As a manager, you have him on your back, wanting to play.

"He fights hard, you know. I like the way he responds to what's happening. He is focused and determined and showed that on the [pre-season] tour."

Arsenal continue their preparations for the 2017/19 Premier League campaign back in London with a game against Portuguese giants Benfica at Emirates Stadium on Saturday and Spanish side Sevilla Sunday.

Gallery: Arsenal lose 3-0 to Chelsea in China

  • Chelsea's Michy Batshuayi celebrates after scoring against Arsenal. Greg Baker / AFP
    Chelsea's Michy Batshuayi celebrates after scoring against Arsenal. Greg Baker / AFP
  • Chelsea's Willian scores his side's first goal. Yifan Ding / Getty Images
    Chelsea's Willian scores his side's first goal. Yifan Ding / Getty Images
  • Chelsea's Jeremie Boga is tackled by Arsenal's Francis Coquelin and Laurent Koscielny. Jason Lee / Reuters
    Chelsea's Jeremie Boga is tackled by Arsenal's Francis Coquelin and Laurent Koscielny. Jason Lee / Reuters
  • Chelsea's Pedro collides with Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina. Mark Schiefelbein / AP Photo
    Chelsea's Pedro collides with Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina. Mark Schiefelbein / AP Photo
  • Arsenal's Olivier Giroud shows his frustration. Damier Sagolj / reuters
    Arsenal's Olivier Giroud shows his frustration. Damier Sagolj / reuters
  • Liverpool's Jordan Henderson lifts the Premier League Asia Trophy alongside team mates. Bobby Yip / Reuters
    Liverpool's Jordan Henderson lifts the Premier League Asia Trophy alongside team mates. Bobby Yip / Reuters
  • Liverpool's Divock Origi battles for the ball. Stanley Chou / Getty Images
    Liverpool's Divock Origi battles for the ball. Stanley Chou / Getty Images
  • Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho shoots past Leicester City's Danny Drinkwater. Bobby Yip / Reuters
    Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho shoots past Leicester City's Danny Drinkwater. Bobby Yip / Reuters
  • Liverpool's Mohamed Salah celebrates with teammates. Victor Fraile / Getty Images
    Liverpool's Mohamed Salah celebrates with teammates. Victor Fraile / Getty Images
  • Liverpool's Mohamed Salah fights for the ball with Leicester City's Marc Albrighton. Victor Fraile / Getty Images
    Liverpool's Mohamed Salah fights for the ball with Leicester City's Marc Albrighton. Victor Fraile / Getty Images
  • Liverpool fans show their support from the stands. Bobby Yip / Reuters
    Liverpool fans show their support from the stands. Bobby Yip / Reuters
  • Chelsea's Gary Cahill receives the trophy at the end of the match. Jason Lee / Reuters
    Chelsea's Gary Cahill receives the trophy at the end of the match. Jason Lee / Reuters