The former Gunners centre-back believes Arsene Wenger does not want a system with an out-and-out striker.
Former Arsenal defender Sol Campbell has told 888sport that he believes Arsene Wenger began to leave Olivier Giroud out of his side because he did not want “an out-and-out centre-forward” in his team.
Giroud was given an extended break after playing a big role in France’s run to the final of Euro 2016 this summer, and upon his return he found himself benched.
In fact, the 30-year-old has only made seven appearances at club level so far this season, and only made his first start of the campaign in the 3-2 away win over Ludogorets Razgrad on Tuesday night in the Champions League.
Preferred to Giroud in the leading attacking role has been Alexis Sanchez, who has been moved up top from his previous wide role and has responded with eight goals in his first 14 games of the season.
Campbell believes that, as much as the form of Sanchez, Wenger’s decision has been based on the fact that he does not want to play a rigid system based around a target man striker.
He told 888sport: “Maybe Arsene doesn’t want an out-and-out centre-forward this year. Maybe that’s the key and he wants to mix things up, to have players in the groove.
“While you’re banging in the goals why go to systems? Sometimes it needs someone to look at these guys and allow them to be free and see how long it lasts.
“If it doesn’t go the whole season then there is always Giroud to come in and change the dynamic. You can be too structured sometimes and it’s better to go with the flow.”
Giroud has begun to stake a serious claim for a starting place in the last week, following up his two-goal second-half substitute appearance in the win over Sunderland last weekend with another strike on his first start in midweek.
However, it is going to be difficult to dislodge Sanchez, to say the least, and Wenger does not appear to be too keen on attempting to employ a system into which the likes of Giroud, Sanchez, Theo Walcott and Mesut Ozil can all fit.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
