Giroud Has Agreed A New Contract,says Wenger

Giroud - who has scored 41 goals in 102 appearance for the Gunners - is currently sidelined with a broken foot, with a return not expect before December, but Wenger is keen to retain the "core" of his team.

Speaking ahead of Arsenal's Champions League clash with Galatasaray, Wenger told reporters: "It is done. We will announce it when it's completely finished.

"We want stability and we want to keep the core of our team together because I’m a great believer in that. I believe Giroud is an important player here."

Giroud faces increased competition upon his return to the Arsenal first team, with Danny Welbeck arriving from Manchester United for €20 million and Alexis Sanchez from Barcelona for €40m during the summer.

Meanwhile, Theo Walcott's rehabilitation from cruciate knee ligament damage sustained in January continues.