Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger says Olivier Giroud is staying put in January amid Crystal Palace and West Ham interest.

Giroud has been linked with a move away from the Emirates since playing second fiddle to record-signing Alexandre Lacazette.

The 31-year-old striker has not started a league game this season and has been restricted to cameos off the bench.

France international Giroud, who rescued a point for the Gunners with a late header against Southampton on Sunday, is reportedly looking to go out on loan with next summer’s World Cup in mind - and Premier League strugglers Palace and West Ham are keen to sign him.

But Wenger wants to keep the former Montpellier hitman.

He said: “Why should we lose an important player? I consider Olivier Giroud as a regular player.

“We have to be grateful that he is part of a great team and one who can come on and make a difference with the right attitude and ability.”