Martin Keown: Why Olivier Giroud can make Arsenal history

Speaking before the Gunners’ Premier League trip to Aston Villa on 13 December, Wenger said Giroud’s contributions to the side up front proved he was one of Europe’s finest forwards. I believe recently, especially recently, he has come back with an improved game and with his finishing.

Olympiacos tried to score a goal. which will give them qualification, by instead of attacking Petr Cech’s goal they have to defend their own. He’s a guy who works for the team.

The France worldwide has just been suspended from playing internationally following allegations of his involvement in the Mathieu Valbuena sextape scandal, but he has been linked with Arsenal over the past two summers.

In November, the Madrid forward was charged with complicity in an attempt to blackmail and participating in a criminal group, which is punishable by five years imprisonment.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has insisted that he does not need to buy Karim Benzema because he has enough quality in Olivier Giroud. “I think it is a legal case and as long as it has not been judged, you have to wait for the judgement”, he said.

Wenger has seen his resources stretched through numerous injuries and has been clear that he is looking to strengthen his squad if he can find the right players to sign when the transfer window swings open in less than a month’s time.

Arsene Wenger’s men bowed out in a defeat to Monaco last season but Flamini is confident the shock result was simply a blip, adding: “We played Monaco past year and we thought it would maybe a bit easier and it was not the case”.

Arsenal are particularly short in the middle of the park, with Santi Carzola, Jack Wilshere, Francis Coquelin and Mikel Arteta all now sidelined.