Former Gunners player Robert Pires has asked his compatriot Olivier Giroud to remain at the Emirates Stadium past this summer amid reports that the former Ligue 1 star might exit the club.

Even before the addition of Lyon star Alexandre Lacazette, there were rumours that the Frenchman might leave Arsenal soon.

The player had a mixed performance last term and with the options that Arsene Wenger now has or is working towards having, then Giroud would get more bench time. Wenger is focused on ending his Premier League title drought this term so he wants to retain his best legs like Giroud.

Pires is in agreement that Giroud should not be allowed to leave the club if Arsenal want to lift the title next year. The France football legend added that Alexis Sanchez should not be sold off as well.

“If he [Giroud] stays, it is great news for Arsene Wenger. Now we have four strikers which is important for making the squad competitive. The objective now for Arsenal is to lift the Premier League trophy and in order to do that, you need to have a lot of strikers in your team,” Pires explained.

The veteran admitted that Giroud would love to play regularly because of his spot in the very competitive French national team. However he says having all the current players would put Wenger in a good position to lift the elusive league title.

Interests in Sanchez seemed to have cooled as the north London club insists on retaining him despite the financial implications. Manchester City, Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Paris St-Germain have been linked with the player but it seems the Chilean would have to remain at the Emirates this forthcoming season.

Laca, Sanchez, Giroud and England international Danny Welbeck, who has recovered fully from his injury, means Arsenal have a strong attacking force to launch a solid title chase.