Arsene Wenger reiterated his desire to keep Olivier Giroud at Arsenal claiming the club ‘need’ him next season as the French striker continues to be linked with a move away from the Emirates this summer, reports the Mirror.
The French international has been attracting lots of interest this summer, particularly from West Ham and Marseille after losing his starting place at Arsenal last season.
Giroud started just 11 games for the Gunners last campaign but did manage to score six goals when coming off the bench as a substitute.
Speaking about Giroud, Wenger stressed the Frenchman’s importance in what appears to be a plea to keep him at the club. “He has won us a lot of points when he has come on because he has scored lots of times. He has qualities that out team need,” the Arsenal boss explained.
Back in March, Giroud spoke openly about his frustration due to a lack of playing time with the Gunners.
“It is true that I am seeking more playing time with my club and that I need to play matches consistently in order to feel good.”
In January the 30-year-old signed a new two-and-a-half year deal with Arsenal. He has scored 98 times in 226 appearances for the Premier League side.
