Arsenal are preparing for the Champions League final against PSG and former Gunners striker Olivier Giroud has had his say on Viktor Gyokeres ahead of the big game
Former Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud believes Mikel Arteta is treating Viktor Gyokeres the same way he was viewed by Gunners legend Arsene Wenger, drawing comparisons to when he joined the club back in 2012.
The ex-Arsenal striker admitted Wenger eased him into life in the Premier League, and feels that Arteta is doing exactly the same with Gyokeres.
Speaking on The Good, The Bad and The Football podcast, Giroud said: “Gyokeres for me is a great striker. When I first arrived at Arsenal, Arsene gave me time to adapt, his confidence, it was not easy because Robin van Persie had just left.
“I needed time and confidence. I think Arteta is doing the same with Gyokeres. I think he can fit well for Arsenal’s game.
“I don’t know if he will play in the final against PSG. PSG is the strongest team in Europe, they can defend, offensively they are very talented, but the thing is for the final against Bayern they defended really well too.”
Gyokeres has scored 21 goals in all competitions this season, including 14 goals in the Premier League as the Gunners were crowned Premier League champions.
The Swedish striker came under fire earlier on in the campaign for his lack of goals, but he’s undeniably improved as the season has gone on.
The 27-year-old can make a real statement if he scores against PSG in the Champions League final this weekend, and Giroud is hoping the Gunners come out on top.
He added: “We knew the quality when they have the ball, but they can also be compact and keep the result. It is a final, hopefully it will be open and then you have a chance (against PSG).
“I remember (Manchester) City against Inter a few years ago, I would have expected City to beat Inter by two or three goals and Inter could have come in the end.
“You never know in the final. I wish Arsenal will win that trophy after the Premier League trophy. In transition PSG can be really dangerous.
“Sometimes they have been in trouble with pacy players down the wings. Against PSG you want to have the ball.
“They are so good on the ball, but against the one on one on the wings will be key. It is like French national team, with so many options, and Luis Enrique has done an amazin job with PSG.”
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