Olivier Giroud was strongly linked with a move away from Arsenal in the early stages of this summer's transfer window after a difficult 2016-17 campaign with the Gunners.

Everton and West Ham United were both credited with an interest, but Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger revealed last week that the striker turned down the chance to leave the Emirates Stadium ahead of the new campaign.

Giroud was named on the bench for last week's Premier League opener against Leicester City, but he came up trumps once again - netting his team's winner in the 4-3 success.

It would be fair to say that there is a split when it comes to Arsenal supporters and Giroud, but the statistics show that the France international has scored an impressive 99 goals in just 229 appearances for the team that he joined in 2012.

On Wednesday, Arsenal's official Twitter account published quotes from Wenger, with the experienced manager paying tribute to the importance of Giroud.

The 30-year-old could yet endure another frustrating season, but he has committed himself to the cause, and Arsenal supporters appear delighted with that decision.

https://video.footballfancast.com/video-2015/lacazette.mp4