Arsene Wenger has praised the quality of striker Olivier Giroud, saying Arsenal need the Frenchman in their ranks.
Giroud, 30, was reduced to a mainly substitute role last season after Wenger chose to play Alexis Sanchez up front for the Gunners.
Giroud still managed to score 12 Premier League goals, but recently expressed his desire to get regular game time next term.
Arsenal remain keen on strengthening their centre-forward options this summer, with the club believed to be prepared to use Giroud - who only signed a new deal in January - in any potential deal to sign Kylian Mbappe or Alexandre Lacazette.
Wenger, though, insists Giroud remains a key player in his squad - saying Arsenal need the striker's qualities in their side.
"It has been a frustrating season for him because he has not played a lot," Wenger said of Giroud.
"And when he has played well, he has not always played the next match.
"He has won us a lot of points when he has come on because he has scored lots of times. He has qualities that our team need."
