Olivier Giroud May Have Taken Gamble By Joining Arsenal – Robert Pires

Tuesday, 10th July, 2012

Ex-Arsenal winger Robert Pires believes that Olivier Giroud may well have taken an unforseen gamble by opting to join the Gunners this summer.

The former French international is of the opinion that if Robin van Persie remains at Arsenal then Giroud will struggle to find a place in the starting eleven – something the France international striker will not have expected upon his recent signing in a €12M deal.

Van Persie netted 30 goals in the Premier League for the Gunners last season, while the 25-year-old Frenchman scored 21 goals in Ligue 1 for Montpellier as the south coast side won the title.

And Pires, who played under Arsene Wenger from 2000 until 2006, has stated that he will be surprised if the Premier League top scorer is able to form a partnership with last season’s Ligue 1 top goal-getter, meaning one will be left out.

Both the strikers are left-footed and the Emirates outfit usually play a 4-3-3 formation with only a single hitman up front. Thus, according to Pires, Giroud may find it difficult to make it to the starting eleven if Van Persie is present.

“The question I ask myself is that whether Giroud will be able to play alongside Van Persie”, mused the former French international to Le 10 Sport.

“What is certain is that Van Persie he will not be benched”, added the 38-year-old. “So, if Van Persie remains at Arsenal for another year then it surely is a gamble for Giroud.”

It remains to be seen whether contract rebel Van Persie stays or moves on to greener pastures this summer; Arsenal still want the Dutchman to stay, despite his having rejected the thought of extending a contract which expires in 2013.

Where will Robin van Perise end up? Top betting on the Dutchman’s destination. Click here.

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