Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger before the Barclays Premier League match between Sunderland and Arsenal at the Stadium of Light
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed that he hopes to sign a forward in the summer to provide back up for Olivier Giroud, but only if the right player becomes available, report Sky Sports.
The Frenchman has received a flurry of criticism throughout the season for his failure to bring in another attacker last season, after failing in an attempt to bring Gonzalo Higuain to the Emirates, who later joined Napoli.
With Giroud his only established senior striker as Wenger remains unconvinced by Lukas Podolski, the 27-year-old has had to carry the goal scoring burden for the Gunners despite clearly suffering from fatigue on several occasions.
Although Giroud has delivered his best season in English football, it is widely believed that the lack of another option in a central role has cost Arsenal dearly in their pursuit of silverware and Wenger has admitted he has been forced to play his compatriot more than he would have liked.
“Maybe we have over-played him at some stage.
“There is perhaps room for an attacking player who can play in a different position to [Olivier] Giroud. Someone who can play with him as well.
“But I do not know yet who will be on the market,” he declared.
Wenger often employs a cautious approach to the transfer market and is unwilling to sign players that he has doubts over, particularly for a large sum of money so even if the majority of fans implore him to make a signing, it may not come to fruition.
However, Giroud clearly has a lack of pace and cannot provide runs in behind a defence that many Arsenal midfielders thrive on, including Mesut Ozil, and a new addition would provide a much needed second option to the established playing style with a lone striker.
