Arsenal have longed for a striker to fill the void left by Robin van Persie over 4 years ago. Fans have cried out for Wenger to splash the cash on a world class forward. Rejected by Jamie Vardy already this summer, Arsenal have been linked to a whole host of strikers including Alvaro Morata and Romelu Lukaku.
However, could it be that the Gunners already have a class striker within their ranks?
Olivier Giroud has always been a player that divides opinion among fans and pundits alike, he’s a player who will stun viewers one week and then leave them bored to death the next. The Frenchman has always performed for his country though, and last nights viewing against Iceland was enough for him to merit the man of the match award after he scored 2 great prime Giroud-like goals. Something we rarely see.
Having sometimes frustrated fans and been caught in the crossfire over the decision to overlook Karim Benzema, the divisive 29-year-old was jeered by some French supporters leading up the tournament. Upon scoring last night, the striker gestured to the fans by putting his hands to his ears. He was later substituted to a standing ovation from French fans.
“It’s always nice to be named man of the match but, first and foremost, it’s about the team reaching the semi-finals and our performance. We scored five goals and are very pleased, although we did concede two.” said Giroud.
“From my perspective, I’m pleased, nothing more than that. I am pleased for the team, my family and the French public as a whole.”
“I don’t know if it’s my best performance (for France). I have played some other good games as well, but in a major tournament that is perhaps my best performance, if you will. I felt really good physically right from the start of the game.”
“From a personal perspective it is good as well and I am scoring once again.”
[Quotes via Daily Mail]
Whether or not Giroud’s France side wins the Euro’s or not, it’s good to see the striker in good form ahead of the new season. We massively hope that it’s a sign of things to come, and that he can fire Arsenal towards glory next season.