According to a report by Football London on Wednesday November 11, 2026, Arsenal have been linked with several attacking reinforcements ahead of the January transfer window, as Mikel Arteta considers strengthening his centre-forward options following inconsistent performances from his current strikers.

Christian Kofane and Paris Brunner are among the traditional number-nine prospects being monitored, while Eli Junior Kroupi and Real Madrid’s Endrick offer alternative attacking qualities.

Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres have struggled to produce consistent goalscoring performances this season, potentially encouraging Arteta to reconsider his attacking options during the upcoming transfer windows.

Meanwhile, former Arsenal forward Theo Walcott has identified a former teammate he believes deserved greater recognition during his time at the Emirates Stadium.

During a quick question-and-answer session with Viaplay on Instagram, Walcott was asked to identify the most underrated footballer he had played alongside. His immediate response was Olivier Giroud.

The French striker occasionally frustrated supporters with missed opportunities, but his overall contribution to Arsenal was considerable. He scored 105 goals in 253 appearances after arriving from Montpellier for approximately £9.6 million.

Giroud also collected three FA Cup trophies during his Arsenal career and produced an unforgettable scorpion kick against Crystal Palace. The spectacular effort earned him the prestigious Puskas Award in 2017.

Arsenal eventually sold him to Chelsea for £18 million in January 2018, and the striker subsequently enjoyed tremendous success. He helped France win the 2018 World Cup before lifting the Europa League and Champions League trophies with Chelsea.

Giroud also temporarily became France's all-time leading goalscorer before Kylian Mbappe eventually surpassed his international record. His achievements demonstrated the quality Arsenal previously possessed.

Despite lacking exceptional speed, Giroud offered outstanding technical ability, aerial strength and intelligent hold-up play. These qualities arguably made him perfectly suited to the style of centre-forward Arteta appreciates.

Arsenal supporters demonstrated their appreciation when Giroud returned to the Emirates Stadium with Lille last month, receiving a warm reception during their Champions League encounter.

Although £18 million initially appeared reasonable for a 31-year-old striker, Giroud's subsequent achievements suggest Chelsea secured an excellent bargain from their London rivals.