Alexandre Lacazette is firmly expected to be confirmed as an Arsenal player in the near future, but what will that mean for Olivier Giroud?
The 30 year-old has always declared his wish to stay with the club, as he seeks to earn a Premier League title in North-London, but he has also expressed his intention to start the season as the club’s first-choice striker, a reality which will prove highly unlikely should his international counterpart come in.
Giroud was an immaculate professional last season when being forced to warm the bench while Alexis Sanchez flourished in a central striking role, and continued to score goals when coming on the field consistently.
The France international kept his place as his country’s first choice striker, ahead of both Kylian Mbappe, Alexandre Lacazette and Karim Benzema, but is about to lose his place in the Gunners first-team.
Giroud is wanted by a number of clubs, including those in his homeland and England, but is believed to favour a stay in the Premier League. Everton are tipped as favourites to land his signature, but there is interest from former club Marseille as well as the chance to replace Lacazette at Lyon.
The striker has had a tough time as Arsenal striker, coming under-fire on a number of occasions despite holding a more than respectable goals-per game ratio throughout his time here, but his last season will have helped him to earn much respect for his attitude and performances.
I don’t think any Arsenal fan would be disappointed to see him stay on as a back-up to Alexandre, but he appears destined to move on.
Should we try and persuade Olivier to fight for his place? Could him and Lacazette share a role in the first-team?
Pat J