With the return of Olivier Giroud tonight against Aston Villa, Arsene Wenger believes that the French striker could prove that Arsenal do not need to splash out in the January transfer window and can prove to be just as effective as an expensive striker.

‘People want always new names, but what is important for us is that Giroud is back,’ said Wenger.

‘He was a bit tired recently, but now he is refreshed and I’m sure he will have a major impact on the second part of the season.

‘Giroud has qualities that the rest of the squad has not got, he always gives us that strength.

‘We have small players who combine quickly, so to find someone who can hold it, keep the ball, make some room for other players, he does that very well and gives us a very good balance.’

Although Giroud could prove himself to be a top striker that doesn’t stop him from getting injured, if Arsenal don’t sign a striker this month and Giroud gets injured they would be left extremely short upfront with the loss of Bendtner and Walcott to injury.

Gnabry to Rio?

Wenger today told the media that he believes Arsenal youngster Serge Gnabry has a big chance to be selected for the 2014 World Cup in Rio. Although the German has barely featured this season he has still impressed greatly, his most recent brilliant performance against Spurs.

“We are looking at a guy who has good individual talent, he can go past people, is a good finisher and has a very good football brain with good vision.

“I am not afraid with him. I have shown that against Tottenham – it was a big game. He has convinced many people that he at least deserves another chance.

“There is more than a small chance,” Wenger continued when asked if his teenage protégé might be selected by Joachim Loew this summer, “There’s a big chance.”

With the vast options for the German National squad chances are slim for the attacker to feature in the World Cup itself but don’t write off him being selected for friendlies before the tournament itself.

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