Arsenal FC news: ‘It’s better if Olivier Giroud stays,’ insists Gunners legend Robert Pires

Arsenal legend Robert Pires has told talkSPORT Olivier Giroud should forget about a transfer and challenge Alexandre Lacazette for a starting spot at the Emirates.

The Gunners snapped up Lacazette for £52million from Lyon after watching him net 100 Ligue 1 goals in 203 appearances, and he’s already netted for the club on their pre-season tour of Australia.

His arrival, though, threatens to end Giroud’s time in north London, with Everton and West Ham interested in signing him.

But Pires believes, especially with his hopes of representing France at the 2018 World Cup on the line, the centre forward should snub any moves and stay with Arsenal.

“It will be very difficult for Olivier Giroud but I think he’s a big professional,” Pires told talkSPORT.

“Competition is very important for strikers so I hope Giroud will stay at Arsenal because he’s really important and he scores a lot of goals during the season, but I don’t know what will happen at the end of the market.

“It’s not easy for Olivier because in one year he will want to play in the World Cup with France, but he is a big professional for Arsenal and it’s better if he stays.”

Meanwhile, Pires agreed with Gerard Houllier’s comments on talkSPORT that Lacazette is reminiscent of Gunners legend Ian Wright.

He said: “I hope [it’s true] for Alexandre Lacazette because everyone knows Ian Wright was a very good player. I hope Lacazette follows the same way.

“I think he is a little bit similar, he’s a striker, he’s fast, he has good ability, and he has scored a lot of goals with Olympique Lyonnais.

“Now, of course, he is not in the same team, he doesn’t have the same partner, he isn’t in the same country, and it isn’t the same football - everything has changed around him so. But I think he is a very good signing.”