The Arsenal and France international star Olivier Giroud may have been something of a bit part player for the Gunners so far this season, with just three Premier League starts up until now, but he has been having a big impact from the subs bench and seems now to have forced his way back into first team contention.
A place in the starting line-up is not the only reward for Giroud, though, as the club website has confirmed that he is one of a trio of Gallic Gunners to have been given new contracts to keep them in north London for the forseeable future.
The other two Frenchman to put pen to paper on new deals with Arsenal this week are the 31-year old centre back Laurent Koscielny and the 25-year old central midfielder Francis Coquelin. Both of these are almost automatic first choice players for the boss and with Giroud doing the business and proving his worth up top again, to the extent that he is giving the brilliant Alexis Sanchez serious competition for the central striker role, Arsenal have secured a solid spine for years to come, so no wonder Arsene Wenger sounds pleased.
He said, “We are very pleased that three important members of our team have committed to us for the long term. Francis has made tremendous technical strides over the past few years because he’s so focused every day.
“Olivier has big experience in the game now and has become a more and more complete player since joining us. Laurent is of course a key part of our squad and I believe one of the best defenders in the world today. So overall, this is great news for us.”
Great news Gooners, now if just two more players follow the French trio’s lead we will all be very happy.
Bob.
Good news. Now get contracts for Santi, Alexis, Özil and Walcott!
Off topic: read that Krychowiak might be available for a loan. Sign him up immediately! We urgently need a midfielder now that Coquelin and Elneny are out for a month. Injury to Ramsey or Xhaka and who will play there? Santi is out for the remainder of the season. Krychowiak hasn’t really played for PSG but he was a rock for Sevilla. He even made the La Liga Team of the Season on his first season.
Oh and do I need to remind that Ramsey, who hasn’t really done himself any favors, will most certainly get injured in the near future? And no offense to Elneny but he really isn’t starter material..
The only important signing news, critical to the future of the club, is as follows:
1. Wenger does NOT sign a contract extension
2. Sanchez does sign a contract extension
Well if point 1 does happen it may decrease the likelihood in point 2 happening…..
The problem is, if Wenger signs, then that’s a guarantee of failure, even if Ozil and Sanchez sign as well. Because we’ve done nothing in Europe or in the league over the last three and half years with these WC players, so it’s clear what the problem is.
A new manager HAS to be the number one target. Keeping Sanchez is vital, but if I had to choose between them…it’s a new manager all day long! I just cannot take yet another season failure.
Our Best vital players in my opinion:
Koscielny
Cech
Alexis
Ozil
Bellerin
Mustafi
Xhaka
Coquelin
Cazorla
These players are very good and we should keep but can be replaced with better players (ie we can sell or trade to get WC players if required)
Gibbs
Montreal
Theo
Iwobi
Giroud
Lucas
Ox
Ospina
Campbell
Holding
Wilshere
Mertsacker
Debuchy
Martinez
Welbeck
These players I have doubts or am undecided about
Eleney
Gabriel
Jenkinson
Ramsey
Akpom
Sanogo
@Arsenal girl – interesting list. not surprisingly I agree with most. Here are my changes and comments.
Willing to keep Xhaka in vital player caragory but not because I think he has been vital but because I think he should get a chance. Some foreign players need one whole season before we see their best (Kos).
Iwobi – I think he has the making or potential to become a vital player. Could have benefited from playing with more leaders around him.
Ospina – Is vital to me because I think Cech is in decline and Ospina might be a very good replacement.
Giroud – would only be in my “very good” catagory as a sub, would be in “have my doubts” as a starter for me.
Mert – have my doubts.
Lucas – would love to see him get 5 PL starts in a row along side Sanchez
Its not just the trio alone,we have Three more players to tie down. If that’s the last thing Wenger does for this club