Arsene Wenger: 'Olivier Giroud one of Europe's best'

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes that Olivier Giroud deserves to be ranked among the leading strikers in Europe, while backing the forward to make further improvements this season.

Giroud has enjoyed a fine start to the campaign, scoring five goals in all competitions, including the opener in Arsenal's first four Premier League games.

Wenger believes that the French international is approaching his peak years and has all the attributes to excel at the Emirates for a prolonged spell.

He told The Mirror: "Giroud is already [one of the leading strikers in Europe]. I think will he improve and be better in all the aspects of his game. As long as all the aspects are there, the attitude is there as well.

"At 27, you always think the best years are coming for him now. I am never surprised by the improvement of the players, because that gives you the feeling that we are doing the right things.

"For him, the jump from Montpellier to Arsenal was quite big. In the first season, it is always quite difficult."

Giroud will come up against one of Arsenal's main summer transfer targets tonight, when a Napoli side including Gonzalo Higuain visit the Emirates for a Champions League Group F clash.