Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud vows to improve next season

Olivier Giroud insists he is satisfied with his first season at Arsenal but is determined to improve next term.

The France striker has scored 17 goals in all competitions for Arsene Wenger’s men since swapping Montpellier for north Londoner last summer.

And although the 26-year-old says he is pleased with his debut season in the Premier League, the forward is targeting a step up after the summer.

“I’ve scored 17 goals and had 11 assists – that is better than [Thierry] Henry and [Didier] Drogba in their first seasons,” Giroud told the Times.

“This is the quality I have. I have got better with this team and this staff. It is another level. I want to continue to improve.”

Giroud, who is currently suspended due to his red card at Fulham last month, also admitted that he felt the pressure of having to step into the shoes of Robin van Persie, who quit Arsenal for Manchester United last August.

“I replaced Van Persie and when you arrive at a big club like that, they [the fans] are very demanding towards you,” added Giroud, who has 17 caps for France.

“The criticism has not always been deserved, but they push you on.”

Giroud will be available for selection again following his suspension for Arsenal’s final game of the season at Newcastle.