Olivier Giroud: Arsenal need to buy a striker

Giroud believes Arsenal need to sign another striker before the transfer window closes

Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud believes that Arsenal must buy another striker before the transfer window closes, even though it would mean he would be challenged for his place in the starting XI, according to a report on Arseblog news.

The 26-year-old carried his goal-scoring form from pre-season into the Premier League as his tidy finish gave Arsenal an early lead against Aston Villa on Saturday.

There are, however, few alternatives to Giroud, with Yaya Sanogo lacking top flight experience and Lukas Podolski deployed on the left rather than centrally. Giroud made 47 appearances last season, including 34 in the league, more often than not as a starter.

Having earlier welcomed the potential arrival of Luis Suarez at Arsenal during the summer, the French international told Le Parisien after Saturday’s defeat that he though another striker was still required.

“In my opinion, it’s necessary for the club to recruit another striker.

“Obviously, I think about it a little bit. It may have an influence, especially if it’s a high profile signing.

“It’s useless lamenting this though. I know what I have to do and what I’m capable of. I’m focusing on me and my work. The coach is counting on me, so I don’t think too much.”

So far, the only incoming transfer has been Yaya Sanogo on a free from Auxerre and after the club let 27 players go in the summer transfer window, the squad looks threadbare after Arsenal suffered more injury setbacks against Aston Villa on Saturday.

Arsenal face Fenerbahce in the first leg of their crucial Champions League group stage qualifier on Wednesday in Istanbul and manager Arsene Wenger faces an anxious wait over the availability of Kieran Gibbs and Bacary Sagna.