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Wenger - Giroud’s silence impressed me

Arsene Wenger has praised Olivier Giroud for ignoring transfer speculation and focusing on his game during the summer.

Newspaper reports linked Arsenal with a host of strikers during the transfer window, with Wenger completing the signing of France youth international Yaya Sanogo in July.

But Giroud remains the main man up front - scoring five goals already - and Wenger is pleased with the improvements his compatriot has made.

"This season is a big test for Olivier but I'm sure he will have a great season"

Arsene Wenger

“I believe he has improved technically in his link play and that will come out throughout the season,” the boss said.

“He has a huge physical presence that is very difficult to find these days. This season is a big test for Olivier but I'm sure he will have a great season.

“He has a kind of belief, [a] positive mentality that comes out. He has a good self-esteem and that is a very important quality because when you're a striker you have to deal with a lot of pressure. It doesn't affect him too much when he doesn't always score. Overall I think he has a very strong mentality.

“Every day when you opened a newspaper he saw another striker coming here but he didn't say anything. For me that's the best answer you can give when you're a football player. Don't talk too much, play and show how good you are. Many people forget that sometimes but that's the core of your job.”

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