Arsenal have been linked with a number of strikers like Wayne Rooney, Gonzalo Higuain, and Luis Suarez in the last few months. This is despite they bringing in two strikers in the form of Lukas Podolski and Oliver Giroud only last season. After taking a long time to score his first goal in the Premier league, Frenchman Giroud proved that he is capable of cutting the mustard in the Premier league by finishing the season strongly. However, the constant speculation linking Arsenal with a number of strikers has put the future of the Frenchman at the Emirates stadium in doubt.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, though, has confirmed that Giroud still remains an important Arsenal player despite the club being linked with several strikers. Wenger recently failed with a £ 30 million bid for Liverpool striker Luis Suarez, while they have also been heavily interested in Wayne Rooney as well. They were rumoured to be very close to signing Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain in a £ 22 million deal, but they have been struggling to close the deal. As a result, there is a danger that the likes of Juventus may hijack the deal in the last moment.

Wenger has said that they are in the market for a new striker in order to add strength in depth.

“[The transfer rumours are] nothing to do with the quality of Olivier Giroud. It’s just number-wise, we are a bit short,” said Wenger. The Frenchman was signed from Montpelier for around £ 10 million. After struggling initially to settle in the Premier league, he finished the season with a commendable 17 goals in all competitions. Wenger has said that he would can only improve going on to the coming season. He has said that he expects even more from German international Lukas Podolski.