MARTIN KEOWN believes Olivier Giroud is starting to show he is a top player but that won't stop Arsene Wenger from buying a new striker this summer.
wGiroud has come in for criticism in recent seasons, being constantly questioned over whether he can fire Arsenal to major honours.
The 29-year-old did, however, enjoy a successful summer at Euro 2016, scoring three and assisting two goals as his France were narrowly beaten in the final.
Gunners legend Keown was impressed by Grioud's performances at the showpiece tournament but still reckons he can not become a true club great.
He told Starsport: "I think his stock grew in the Euros, he was one of the best strikers.
"Wenger will have drawn from that and it will give Giroud more belief."
But Keown added: "Giroud is following in the footsteps of some very good Arsenal players. Robin van Persie, Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp and the fans want to see a striker like them.
"These days you need electric pace, power and goalscoring abilities and Giroud is a different type of striker.
"I do believe that Wenger will make a signing in that area before the window closes."
One striker who has already snubbed a summer move to Arsenal is Leicester's Jamie Vardy.
MAKING PLANS: Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger
Keown says the England star's decision to stay with the Foxes was admirable but thinks he could live to regret it.
He said: "I applaud the fact that he stayed where he was and I've got a lot of respect for his loyalty, he's a Leicester legend and he will be forever.
"He probably felt that he wanted to repay the faith that Leicester showed in him and see where he can take the club.
"I applaud him for making that decision but maybe one day he'll look back and regret it, only time will tell."
Keown also reckons that Vardy is just one of several targets that Wenger and Arsenal have missed out on this summer.
LEGEND: Arsenal great Martin Keown
He said: "I would have imagined that Arsenal have missed out on two or three big targets that haven't been made public.
"There must have been players out there that they wanted but they just couldn't compete with other teams.
"When you've got an outside person who just wants to shove money into a club by any means necessary, Arsenal just won't be able to compete with that.
"Chelsea have done it, Manchester United have done it and so have Manchester City and Arsenal just can't compete with that competition.
"I'm assuming that this has been Wenger's real dilemma, he's missed out on so many targets because he just hasn't got the resources that other clubs have."
Martin Keown was speaking at the Lichfield McDonald’s & FA Community Football Day, encouraging youngsters to play football and celebrating accredited clubs in the surrounding area. For more information visit www.mcdonalds.co.uk/betterplay
MCDONALD’S COMMUNITY FOOTBALL DAY
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