Arsenal Legend Urges Wenger to Sign Striker in January

Former Arsenal defender Nigel Winterburn has urged Arsene Wenger to sign a striker in the January transfer window.

The north London club's manager has fielded his compatriot Olivier Giroud as the lone striker up front with Nicklas Bendtner being the only other senior striker in the squad. The French international has started all Premier League games for Arsenal this season.

The Gunners legend claims the Emirates club needs to bring a partner for the 27-year-old. Winterburn believes the arrival of a striker in the winter transfer window would ease pressure on Giroud. The Frenchman struggled during Arsenal's 1-0 league defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford.

"One key area which I think everyone is debating is the centre forward role. Giroud is having to do a lot of work, without a rest, so it's hard work for him. I would like to think that they may try and bring someone in, whether that will be a permanent signing or a loan signing," Winterburn told Goal.com.

Meanwhile, Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis has already stressed on the importance of bringing a partner for Giroud to the Emirates in January. The Gunners chief believes the club needs to sign in a striker to challenge for silverwares.

The Gunners are without the likes of Theo Walcott and Lukas Podolski, who are on the sidelines due to injuries sustained earlier in the season. Wenger has used the duo to lead Arsenal's attack in the past.

However, Winterburn claims the north London side needs to central striker as a backup to Giroud.

"If you get the likes of Walcott back, Podolski back, then the bench is looking completely different. You've got a lot more midfield and attacking options," the former Arsenal defender said.

"I don't know Wenger's thinking about [them] coming back, and if they can fill that role, but they are completely different to Giroud."

"The way Arsenal play you need that good link-up striker. I just feel that a centre forward would be the main objective for Arsenal, to cover Giroud if he loses a bit of form or gets fatigued. I think that's very important," he added.

Meanwhile, Arsenal are linked with a move to sign Southampton's Jay Rodriguez with Brendan Rodgers' Liverpool also believed to be in the race in signing the striker.