OLIVIER GIROUD could be about to swap the Premier League for Serie A.
Reports circulating in Italy suggest both AC Milan and Napoli are eyeing a move for the out-of-favour Arsenal striker.
The Frenchman is now second choice striker behind the in-form Alexis Sanchez, with the Chile international notching eight goals so far this season.
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The French striker, 30, has been a frustrated spectator as the Gunners have gone on a 16-match unbeaten run.
Giroud has started only one Arsenal game all season and was back on the substitutes’ bench for Sunday’s North London derby.
Now he has broken his silence on what he admits has been his worst start to a season since moving to England from Montpellier in 2012.
He said: “When I watch from the stands at Arsenal and see a team that plays well and has made a very good start, it seems the train leaves without me and I must not get too far behind.
“If my game continues to stagnate, it will affect my future selection. I cannot play one game in five.”
And he was particularly upset to be left out of the team for the opening Champions League game against Paris Saint-Germain.
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He said: "I thought I would start that game because the coach had put me on the bench against Southampton three days before. But I wasn't selected.
"On the morning of that match in Paris I had a discussion with him and he said I was close to returning. But, frankly, I was hurt and disappointed.
"That match proved to be terrible for me because I hurt my foot within two minutes of coming on, couldn't get into my stride and was sent off.
"Then, in my next game against Chelsea, I took my first touch and the pain immediately returned and I was out for another month."
Giroud finally returned to score two goals with his first two touches in a 4-1 win at Sunderland.
He was also in target in last week's Champions League victory away to Ludogorets.
Yet with 18 months left on his contract, he is biding his time.
He added: "We must not make any judgements too soon.
"As for my future, I hope it is with Arsenal for two or three years more."
But Arsenal may opt not to run the risk of losing the striker for nothing, and could be tempted to cash in.
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