Arsenal: Olivier Giroud inclusion flies in the face of rumour and conjecture

Olivier Giroud has been included in Arsenal’s squad for their preseason tour of Australia. His inclusion flies in the face of the growing rumour and conjecture linking him with an exit.

Arsene Wenger described the Arsenal squad as ‘heavy’ shortly after he agreed to a controversial new two-year deal thanks to a remarkable FA Cup final win over Chelsea that meant a disappointing and underwhelming season ended with some semblance of success and enjoyment.

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Such a statement suggests that he intends to cut down the size of the squad in the upcoming transfer window, allowing certain players to leave, meaning that he can prune the unwanted, unneeded options, focusing on members that can be significant and successful contributors in the coming years.

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It is not a bad decision to take. Arsenal certainly have several players who, without a rash of injuries and suspensions simultaneously, will rarely see the field, simply rotting in the reserves with a lack of playing time and even less motivation. Just this past season, Chelsea proved that with a smaller squad, it is possible to have success, if you can ride through periods where injuries may come.

The key to cutting down the squad successfully, though, lies with the players that you allow to leave. Misjudge someone’s contribution, and you could sell a player who is far more important than you ever realised. Overrate another’s influence, and you could be left with players who lack the necessary quality to ever perform at the highest level.

It is in this context that the Olivier Giroud rumours have surfaced. Given the club-record addition of Alexandre Lacazette, it is fair to say that Giroud no longer holds a starting place in the squad. Wenger wanted a more mobile centre-forward. Giroud did not fit the mould.

However, that does not mean that he will automatically be shipped out. He is still a unique player with a particular set of skills that are difficult to find and replicate without him. His size, his strength, his touch and interplay, his aerial prowess all make him difficult to defend against.

And Wenger has also seen the usefulness of such a player. The inclusion of Giroud in Arsenal’s squad for their preseason tour of Australia suggests that Wenger has no intentions of moving the towering Frenchman on anytime soon. Even given the recent surge in reports suggesting that Everton are ready to pursue his services, it would still seem that Wenger has no desire to sell.

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Giroud is a divisive figure. While some laud over his style and his panache, others lambast his immobility and cumbersome look. But his inclusion in the preseason squad suggests that Wenger still wants him, no matter what the papers may suggest.