Wednesday 11 June 2014 15:48, UK
Olivier Giroud is expecting Arsenal to sign a new striker this summer and increase competition for places.
Arsene Wenger relied heavily on Giroud in 2013/14, with the France international emerging as a key performer as he netted 22 times in all competitions.
He faced little threat to his place when fit, though, with Nicklas Bendtner out of favour and Yaya Sanogo still finding his feet in English football.
The likes of Lukas Podolski and Theo Walcott are options down the middle for Wenger, but they are often deployed in wider roles.
Taking that into account, and with Bendtner having left at the end of his contract, bolstering the attacking ranks is a top priority when the transfer window re-opens.
We need another striker. Great clubs have several good strikers, who compete with each other.
Giroud says he will welcome the fresh faces, with the 27-year-old aware of the need to have options when competing on multiple fronts.
He told InfoSport+: “I can tell you Arsenal will add a striker to the team.
“We need another striker. Great clubs have several good strikers, who compete with each other.”
Giroud is currently competing for a starting berth in the France squad at the World Cup finals and hopes he has done enough to convince coach Didier Deschamps that he is deserving of a spot either alongside or ahead of Real Madrid frontman Karim Benzema.
He added: “It would kind of be a disappointment (to miss out), because I think I’ve done well in the warm-up games.
“But there is a coach and you have to respect his choices. But that’s not my primary concern, nor will it stop me sleeping right now.
“The important thing is to prepare yourself well for the first game and make yourself available for the team and the coach.”
