Arsene Wenger: Olivier Giroud is among the best in England

Arsene Wenger believes that Olivier Giroud is proving that he is among the top strikers in the Premier League this season.

The 27-year-old forward has been ever-present in the Gunners’ first-team this term, scoring nine goals and making five assists in 17 appearances in all competitions.

The France international, who joined the north Londoners from Montpellier last summer, netted twice as he helped fire Arsenal to victory over Southampton at Emirates Stadium last weekend.

And Wenger, whose side travel to Cardiff City on Saturday looking to preserve their four-point lead at the top of the table, feels Giroud is now fully settled in England.

“He is among the best, all of them have different qualities,” said Wenger of Giroud, who scored 17 goals in his first season at Arsenal.

“He is more of a British/English type striker, he uses well his body and his link play with others [is good].

“His physical presence in the box is massive, especially with the type of team we have, with smaller, technically-mobile players. To have that kind of presence up front is important.”