Wayne Rooney Weighs in on Arsenal Debate by Claiming Gunners 'Are a Better Team' When Giroud Starts

Everton's Wayne Rooney has been left confused about Olivier Giroud's peripheral role at Arsenal, with the former Man Utd star heard complementing the Frenchmen who remains a serious transfer target for the Toffees in January.

In an interview with talkSPORT, Rooney expressed his bewilderment about Giroud being unable to crack the Arsenal team. When asked whether Everton will pursue the Arsenal forward, Rooney told talkSport (via This is Futbol): “I think we could do with another striker in.

“The one player for me who has to start is Olivier Giroud. He scores goals and every time he comes on he scores, he’s a handful and hard to play against.

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“For me, if he starts games for Arsenal they are a better team.” 

During the summer Giroud was heavily linked with Everton, with Arsene Wenger more than ready to step out of the way for the Frenchmen to go. With the acquired Alexandre Lacazette at the time, it would seem that Giroud's place as Arsenal's spearhead was no more. Though, Giroud chose to stay in London to fight for his place. 

Since his decision to stay at the club, Giroud has only managed one Premier League start, although it is his four goals as a substitute in the league, married with his three goals in his Europa League appearances, that has Rooney confused about the Frenchman's omission from the squad. 

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When the transfer window reopens in January it will be decision time for Giroud whether he stays or leaves the Gunners. The 31-year-old will be of the liking to Everton boss Sam Allardyce, who has an allure with target-men strikers.