Arsenal’s Olivier Giroud has found it tough to present himself in the starting line-up for the Gunners this season. The Frenchman has been basically used as a deputy to Alexis Sánchez, who has been implemented as a striker by Arsène Wenger up front. With merely eight appearances in all competitions (mind you, just one as a starter!), Giroud’s stature at the club has been maimed by a blow.
Arsenal should be wary of the situation as two heavyweights from Serie A in the shape of Napoli and AC Milan are very closely monitoring the scenario that has been developing since the commencement of the 2016-17 campaign. The change of ship to go with the flow might actually help Giroud to reclaim the lost glory, considering the paramount utility of big target men like him in Serie A and the fact that he is likely to get game time on a regular basis.
However, the 30-year-old has made it very clear, while speaking to L’Equipe, that he wants to see off his contract which expires in 2018 and wants to fight for his place at the North London based club.
The Arsenal fans that should be appreciative of the commitment depicted by their attacker. Ever since joining Wenger’s brigade, Giroud has been taken for granted and has been given the stick more than anyone else at the club when he failed to perform.
His performances that has developed over time. The former Montpellier man offers characteristics that very few in the business have on offer. Positional awareness with his back facing the goal, ability to invite his teammates with his link-up play, excellent sharpness from the edge of the box and the way he deals with the crosses by taking full advantage of his height and physique.
Lately, coming from the bench against Sunderland, where nothing seemed to click for the Gunners until his arrival, he scored twice in two touches to bag all three points for his side which shows how important he still is in the Arsenal system.
Vincenzo Montella wants to add a bit of dominating attacking tooth by using the new Chinese investment to make a push in their pursuit of qualifying for the Champions League, whereas Napoli are desperately looking for a replacement for Arkadiusz Milik who has been sidelined due to an injury. The availability of Giroud shall be welcomed by Serie A clubs, for the undeniable value of the French international is a lucrative prospect for the Italian clubs.
However, Wenger needs to have a talk with Giroud, considering the probable absenteeism of Sánchez due to a muscle injury and an ankle injury to Lucas Pérez. Dissatisfaction from Giroud’s side might actually hurt the Gunners’ credentials of being the prospective contenders for lifting the League title and thus, redress measures should be taken by Monsieur Wenger.
Of course, he wasn’t 100% fit at the start of the season but definitely has the chance now to make an impact and reclaim the starting berth with a series of stellar performances (hopefully).
