Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud: It would have been good if Benzema had signed

Olivier Giroud has talked about annual rumours of Arsenal signing a new striker, and has admitted that bringing compatriot Karim Benzema to the Emirates would have been a good move.

The Real Madrid striker was the subject of speculation about a summer deal to the Gunners, but the Frenchman quashed the rumours when he called those who were talking up the move "clowns."

Talking to beIN Sports, Giroud has said he understands that a wealth of rumours will always surround the ambitious clubs.

"It is true that every year here there is speculation about a new striker signing.

"There were seasons when we signed (Alexis) Sanchez and (Danny) Welbeck, others when we were talking about (Luis) Suarez. It is obvious that in a club, a team, where a lot is expected, we need several good attackers and I understand that the fans want (us to) spend more money," Giroud said.

He did, however, suggest that he trusts his manager Arsene Wenger's philosophy.

"The coach knows very well what he is doing, and sometimes you should not buy just to buy, and sometimes there are not players out there that you need, who are available."

He believes that Arsenal has a good enough side to achieve great things this term, but couldn't help joking that his friend Benzema would have been a good addition.

"We have a very good squad, with quality, and I am sure that with this squad we can go very far.

"Aside from that, it would have been good if Karim had signed too, eh?"

The English summer transfer window closes on Tuesday evening and Wenger has recently bemoaned the lack of top strikers currently available.