TalkSPORT pundit Adrian Clarke has said that Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud is “too good” to be playing for the likes of Everton or West Ham.
The French international has been heavily linked with a move away from the club this season, with new signing Alexandre Lacazette expected to be Arsene Wenger’s first choice forward next season.
The Gunners’ Premier League rivals Everton were reported to be considering a move for the powerful front man, while fellow top flight side West Ham were said to not have given up on securing his signature.
Yesterday saw the Mirror claim that German giants Borussia Dortmund had entered the race for his signature, while the player himself was coy about his future plans.
However, former Arsenal player Clarke believes that Giroud is someone Wenger should be trying to keep at the club, and that his abilities are too good for the likes of their Premier League counterparts.
The former Arsenal man told the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast show on talkSPORT: “Giroud is a player I would be fighting very, very hard to keep.
“Giroud is too good for West Ham – in my opinion too good for Everton. He’s a top class player.
“I think Everton would be very, very lucky to get him.”
Sorry #Everton and #WHUFC fans but @adrianjclarke says Olivier Giroud is too good for you… pic.twitter.com/EsXhM8tE1L
— talkSPORT Breakfast (@TSBreakfast) July 13, 2017
The 64-time-capped French international had to settle for a role as an impact substitute last season, as he made the majority of his 40 appearances from the bench.
However, despite his lack of time in the starting XI, he still managed to hit home 16 goals and provide seven assists.
With a World Cup campaign next summer, Giroud will be looking to secure a first team role to nail down a spot in France’s squad to travel to Russia, with a risk of fellow forward Lacazette stealing his position for both club and country.