Olivier Giroud: I'm close to signing new Arsenal contract

Giroud has scored in his past four matches in all competitions after being reinstated to the starting XI, culminating in Saturday’s dramatic late winner in the FA Cup third-round match against Preston.

The striker, 30, is out of contract in the summer of 2018, when Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil’s current deals also expire and Arsenal on Sunday were reported to have made a £56m bid for Torino striker Andrea Belotti.

But unlike his two team-mates - whose wage demands have made negotiations tricky, along with Ozil's desire to know more about Arsene Wenger's future - Giroud says he is close to renewing.

"We're on the verge of reaching an agreement," he told Telefoot. "It's a sign of trust. I want to continue the adventure in this Arsenal family. I feel good here."

After returning later than his colleagues from Euro 2016, thanks to France’s run to the final, Giroud was sidelined for most of the first half of the season as Arsenal reconfigured their attack with Sanchez in a central role.

But Giroud has forced himself back into the conversation with a series of decisive performances in recent weeks.

"When I spoke to the coach, he always told me that I was an important player," Giroud added.

"I know what I am capable of. I just needed to be patient, to work in training and wait for my hour to come."