Wenger right with his assessment that Arsenal need Giroud

Wenger right with his assessment that Arsenal need Giroud

Arsenal are one of many Premier League clubs expected to make wholesale changes this summer and it’s likely that every piece of transfer business, ranging from new signings to offloaded players, will be heavily scrutinised by fans and the media.

The Gunners search for a new top-class striker has led to a wealth of reports regarding incoming deals, whilst speculation has also suggested that the North London giants will wave goodbye to French striker Olivier Giroud.


Giroud isn’t usually given the respect he deserves at the Emirates Stadium and many consider him to not be good enough for the first-team, whilst the player himself is seeking an increase in playing opportunities ahead of the World Cup next summer.

It’s highly likely that Giroud will have to contend with a bit-part role in the team next season, although he could be utilised in the Europa League when Arsenal rotate their ranks, but Arsene Wenger has stated the Frenchman remains important to his side.

Quoted by MetroWenger praised the influence Giroud has as he said:

‘It has been a frustrating season for him because he has not played a lot. And when he has played well, he has not always played the next match. He has won us a lot of points when he has come on because he has scored lots of times. He has qualities that our team need.’

Giroud’s influence cannot be overlooked as he scored 16 goals last season, the majority of which came off the bench, and he set-up Aaron Ramsey’s winning goal against Chelsea in the FA Cup final last month- which saw Arsenal lift the trophy for the third time in four years.

Whilst Giroud may be short of being Arsenal’s leading striker, his ability and influence gives Arsenal a superb plan b for when things aren’t quite going their way and that will continue to be crucial heading into next season.

He’s also currently the only out-and-out recognised striker in Arsenal’s ranks, as Alexis Sanchez, Danny Welbeck and Theo Walcott have regularly been utilised as wingers, which shows that Arsenal do not have the depth in that area.

Approving an exit for Giroud would be the wrong call from Arsenal this summer and they’d certainly be made to regret it if the French striker moved to another Premier League side- but they do need to assure him of more regular playing time next season.