With the arrival of compatriot Lacazette, who joined the Gunners in a £53million deal earlier this summer, the future of the French striker was very much in doubt. However, Arsene Wenger has told reporters that Giroud is ready to prove himself and is relishing the competition with Arsenal's new talisman.
Wenger said, 'Giroud fancies the competition. As a manager, you have him on your back, wanting to play. He fights hard, you know. I like the way he responds to what's happening. He is focused and determined and showed that on the (pre-season) tour.'
Giroud has been linked with a move to Everton and Borussia Dortmund this summer, and Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has admitted the French club were looking to include the striker in the deal that took Lacazette to the the Emirates.
Aulas told 'Le Progress', 'I wanted to sign him, but Arsene Wenger would not sell him.'