Wenger: Wilshere, Giroud, Walcott staying

Dec 08, 2017 06:00 am

Arsenal will not sell striker Olivier Giroud, midfielder Jack Wilshere and winger Theo Walcott in the January transfer window despite their lack of playing time at the Premier League club, manager Arsene Wenger has said.

The trio have started the majority of the club's Europa League and League Cup games this season but are yet to start a league match, with Giroud making 12 substitute appearances while Wilshere has been limited to four and Walcott to three.

Their lack of top-flight action could cost them a spot in their respective nations' 2018 World Cup squads but Wenger said the trio will not be sold.

"They have to make their decisions; I have to make mine," Wenger said yesterday.

"I cannot consider too much the interest of the national team. I want to keep the squad...

"I have to consider the interest of the player but dominant of that will be the interests of the club. If you can combine the two, it is even better but, first, what is important is for the club." - REUTERS