Arsene Wenger admits Olivier Giroud could leave Arsenal if Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang arrives

Arsene Wenger wants Olivier Giroud to stay at Arsenal but refused to rule out the possibility of the Frenchman leaving before the transfer window closes.

Giroud has been linked with a move away from the Emirates after falling behind summer signing Alexandre Lacazette in the striking pecking order.

Chelsea are the latest club to be linked with a loan approach this month with Borussia Dortmund another possible destination if a deal to bring Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang the other way can be finalised.

Wenger remains a fan of Giroud and would be happy if he was still an Arsenal player once Wednesday's deadline passes.

"I want Olivier to stay," he said on Friday. "If nobody comes in, nobody goes out. Maybe one or two of the young players on loan somewhere but the experienced side of the squad will remain the same unless somebody comes in. I am looking forward to every end of the transfer window.

"It’s not hard work. It’s disturbing. We are here to work, that is our job and we want to do well. We do not complain about the work. You want your energy in the team, in the dressing room to be focused on the next game.

"As long as the transfer window is open, that is not always the case. It’s more of a difficulty on the mental front than the working front."

Wenger confirmed he has talked with Giroud about his future and also clarified that the 31-year-old has not asked to leave.

Theo Walcott ended his 12-year stay at the club last week after his own struggles for first team football and Wenger admitted there is a similarity between the two situations.

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"I have a consistent exchange with Giroud. He played many games in the Europa League and came on in the Premier League and scored important goals for us, he’s an important player here who everyone wants to stay and has high respect for. He will certainly get more games and can only leave if someone else comes in.

"Yes we lost Theo and without getting anyone for Olivier it will be too many players to leave."