Arsenal Transfer News: Olivier Giroud Opens Up, Latest Ademola Lookman Rumours

Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud has hinted at leaving the Gunners if he doesn't see more playing time, while Charlton youngster Ademola Lookman is a wanted man, with Everton, Manchester United and Arsenal reportedly all looking at the speedster.

As reported by Uche Amako of the Daily Express, Giroud remains hopeful he'll regain his spot in Arsenal's starting XI, but if he doesn't, he might consider moving elsewhere once his contract runs out:

"

I see my future at Arsenal until the date my contract ends.

I feel good here and I want to play at the highest level for as long as possible.

I still feel I’ve got the gas to do it. After, for sure I’d prefer to be playing, but it will be for me to find my place.

I won’t lie, there have been times I’ve been disappointed and not happy with my situation. But the coach knows that. He’s the one who makes the choices.

"

Niggling injuries have held Giroud back to start the 2016-17 campaign, and he has yet to start a single Premier League match. He's been in solid form of late, scoring twice against Sunderland and in the UEFA Champions League against Ludogorets Razgrad, but competition in the attacking third is fierce at the Emirates Stadium.

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Alexis Sanchez has been an early standout for the Gunners, and summer acquisition Lucas Perez has also flashed his talent, while Theo Walcott has been effective from a wide position as well.

The 30-year-old may be in line for more minutes moving forward, however―as shared by Sky Sports News HQ, Sanchez may be sidelined for a while with an injury he suffered on international duty:

If the Chile international does miss significant time, there's little doubt Giroud will return to the starting XI soon enough. While the France international has his flaws, he's been one of Arsenal's most consistent scorers over the years, and his high work rate makes him a popular team-mate.

Giroud has been with Arsenal since 2012 and is one of the most beloved players among the fans, both for his performances and the frequent laughs he delivers on social media. This was one of his finest moments:

He should get an extended run in the side soon enough, and talks of a possible departure will likely evaporate rapidly.

Meanwhile, Adrian Kajumba of the Daily Mirror reports Everton have joined the Gunners and United in the race to sign Lookman, the England under-20 prospect who was among the top young performers in the Championship last season.

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Lookman was linked with moves to top clubs throughout the campaign and surprisingly stayed with the Addicks as they were relegated. Per the report, Crystal Palace pushed strongly for his signature, but Charlton countered with a £10 million asking price.

Here's why they asked for such a fee:

The forward is still just 19 years old but plays with surprising maturity, displaying excellent vision in the attacking third. He has all of the physical tools to be a success at the highest level, and he's a confident finisher in front of the goal.

As shared by Charlton's official Twitter account, he's been in solid form this season:

With the Addicks' fortunes not improving in League One―they already trail leaders Scunthorpe United by 14 points and currently sit in 14th place―Lookman could leave the sinking ship in January, and there will be no shortage of suitors if he does become available.