Arsenal should consider two strikers to get best out of Olivier Giroud, says Thierry Henry

By Oliver Yew

Image: Olivier Giroud should be partnered with another striker like he is with France, says Thierry Henry

Thierry Henry thinks Arsenal should consider playing two strikers next season to get the best out of Olivier Giroud.

Giroud has been in fine form for France at Euro 2016, scoring three goals in four appearances in Didier Deschamps' side's run to the semi-finals.

The Arsenal striker also has two assists to his name and has struck up an impressive partnership with Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann, who leads the race for the Golden Boot ahead of his France team-mate with four goals.

Henry believes the pair's link-up play has been pivotal to France's success - and thinks Arsenal should take note.

"I've said it many times - Giroud is very good at what he does," Henry told Sky Sports News HQ. "He's a very good player but he needs to play with someone.

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Image: Olivier Giroud ended the 2015/16 season as Arsenal's top scorer, netting 24 times in all competitions

"Giroud, with his back to goal, is very good; you saw the goal against Ireland when Giroud flicked on and Griezmann scored. He can't turn and outpace anyone, Giroud, but in Griezmann he has a guy he can feed. It's a great partnership. They share the workload of scoring goals.

"I never doubted what he can do but I think he's better with someone alongside him."

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Arsenal have been heavily linked with a move for a striker this summer but Henry does not think any new arrival at the Emirates should relegate Giroud's from Arsene Wenger's starting line-up.

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And the former Gunners striker thinks Wenger could have a solution already in his squad with Alexis Sanchez a potential strike partner for the Frenchman.

"Everyone has always said that Arsenal need another striker but that doesn't mean Giroud has to drop to the bench," Henry said.

"He should play with someone because he has all the attributes. I've said before, I would have loved to have played with him.

Image: Olivier Giroud celebrates France's fifth goal in the 5-2 rout of Iceland

"I do not understand why people are scared to play with two strikers. Look at all the teams that have been successful at this tournament - France, Italy have been successful playing a 3-5-2. I think the game is going back to two strikers.

"Sometimes I watch Arsenal and think it would be great to see Sanchez behind Olivier. Giroud is the perfect striker to play with a guy that runs in behind."

Alvaro Morata and Alexandre Lacazette have both been linked with moves to the Emirates and when asked if either could be a good foil for Giorud, Henry said: "The guys mentioned, they're the perfect strikers to play like that."

Giroud: Team comes first

France striker Olivier Giroud says his full focus was on reaching the semi-finals of Euro 2016.

One man who will not be partnering Giroud in north London next summer is Leicester striker Jamie Vardy.

The 29-year-old rejected a move to Arsenal last month to sign a new contract with the Premier League champions and Henry was not surprised with the England striker's decision.

Henry said: "I'm actually not surprised because he knows what he's doing and he knows he's playing with a team that's going to counter.

Image: Lyon forward Alexandre Lacazette continues to be linked with a move to the Emirates

"That suits his game. If you are playing for Arsenal you're going to have to play a lot against teams who defend in their third.

"He's the king at Leicester and they're going to play in the Champions League, too. We've seen a lot of players moving to 'bigger clubs' and not playing so well done to him, hopefully he can do the same again for Leicester."

Thierry Henry previews the opening weekend's live Premier League fixtures on Sky Sports
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