The quality of Olivier Giroud has always been a point of debate for many Arsenal fans here in the Transfer Tavern.
While some praise his ability to link play together and give the Gunners a physical presence up top, others criticise his finishing and claim he should score more goals considering the creativity behind him.
The Frenchman arrived at the Emirates in 2012 after Robin Van Persie had left for Manchester United.
While Giroud’s record is respectable – 82 goals in 191 games isn’t bad for any striker – he hasn’t quite carried the Gunners attack in the same way the Dutchman did and often goes missing against the big side.
The 30-year-old has been sidelined for much of the season due to a combination of fatigue after Euro 2016 and the form of Alexis Sanchez, who has five goals to his name.
With Arsenal in third place, it seems they don’t need Giroud to mount a title challenge, and they may well look to replace the Frenchman sooner rather than later….
Are these TWO players better options for Arsenal than Giroud…..
ALEXANDRE LACAZETTE
A player that has been linked with a number of clubs before now, it’s amazing that nobody has taken a chance on Alexandre Lacazette.
The Frenchman has an impressive record, hitting 15, 27 and 21 goals in his last three seasons.
The 25-year-old has started this season in electric form, scoring six goals in four games and bagging a hat-trick on his first start against Nancy.
Lacazette has bags of pace and is comfortable on the ball as well as being a clinical finisher, making him the perfect striker to run onto Ozil’s passes.
SALOMON RONDON
While he wouldn’t be the first name that Arsenal fans could choose, Salomon Rondon could do a fine job up front for the Gunners.
The Venezuelan is just as strong in the air as Giroud, while he also has pace and a powerful shot.
He managed nine goals last season which, while not seeming a lot, is a respectable tally in a side that defends as much as West Bromwich Albion.
Rondon has started this campaign with three goals too.
The Venezuelan has allegedly done enough to impress Barcelona and was linked with the Catalan side, and he could potentially be a lethal finisher at a big club.
