Former Arsenal midfielder Stewart Robson has cast his verdict on Gunners new boys Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud.
The pair were brought in to bolster the club’s attacking power and Arsene Wenger is hoping to implement the two alongside captain Robin Van Persie in a front three.
Wenger tied up a deal for Podolski prior to Euro 2012 after months of speculation. The Germany international, who picked up his 100th cap at the tournament, joined from Bundesliga outfit Cologne for a fee of around about £10m.
The 27-year-old has admitted that fellow countryman Per Mertesacker along with Wenger had influenced his decision to swap Germany for England ahead of next season.
However Robson, who is now a pundit for Arsenal TV and often gets involved with talkSPORT, is less than convinced by Podolski’s performances at Euro 2012.
He said: “I’ve been a little bit disappointed with Lukas Podolski in this tournament.
“He’s not a player that when he’s out wide left he’s going to go past people and get crosses in but he does come in at the far post well.
“He does the basic things quite well. He’ll pass it into the front players. He’ll get crosses in and he’ll get in at the far post and score goals, so he’s a decent signing for Arsenal.”
The Gunners other signing so far this summer is last season’s Ligue 1 top scorer Olivier Giroud.
The 6 ft 3 striker completed his move to the club after weeks of speculation on Tuesday, following France’s elimination from this summer’s tournament.
The big man, who joined for roughly £12m, scored 21 goals as Montpellier went on to claim the title last campaign, and Giroud is a man who excites Robson.
“I think it’s a good signing,” said Robson.
“I’ve seen Giroud play for France and Montpellier and he’s an all-round striker.
“He’s not got pace but he’s got enough athleticism to get in behind people. He’s very good in the air and his link-up play is good.”
Do you agree with Robson? Let us know your views on the new Arsenal strikers.
Matt Cotton
@FindingCotton
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