Gervinho has urged Arsenal fans to be patient with striker Olivier Giroud during his first season in the Premier League.

The France international was signed from Montpellier earlier this summer but Gervinho believes that it is unfair to expect his teammate to replace Robin van Persie, who joined Manchester United prior to the start of the new campaign.

"[Giroud] is very motivated, but I think that too much pressure should not be put on him. Replacing someone who has scored more than 30 goals in the previous season is not easy," Gervinho told RMC. "He still needs time to adapt.

"He will not resolve the problems immediately. He needs a little time. If the coach signed him for Arsenal, it means that he has qualities."

Arsenal have yet to score in the two league games following the exit of Van Persie.