Arsene Wenger Ranks Olivier Giroud, Theo Walcott Alongside World's Best Strikers

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has suggested Olivier Giroud and Theo Walcott are two of the best strikers in the world, as the pair form a devastating attacking trio with Chile superstar Alexis Sanchez.

The Frenchman was asked if Giroud is now on a level with the best goalscorers on the planet, alongside the likes of Sergio Aguero, Robert Lewandowski and Karim Benzema, and he replied, per the Press Association (h/t ESPN FC):

"

Of course, and Walcott as well.

We have Walcott, Sanchez, Giroud who can all scores goals. They have different styles and that is very important as well.

I never questioned the fact he [Giroud] will be a very needed striker here. If you go on counterattack of course he is not the kind of player that you want or select first.

That is why when we played against Bayern I chose Walcott because you know you play more in your own half and you have to go out quickly.

When you dominate the game and need presence in the box there is no better player than Olivier.

"

Petros Giannakouris/Associated Press

Giroud has been prolific for Wenger this season, despite spending a significant portion of time on the bench. The France international has netted 13 goals in 20 Premier League and European appearances, according to WhoScored.com. The striker started on the substitutes' bench on seven of these occasions, often performing wonders late in contests. 

Walcott has once again suffered with injuries, but he offers a significant stylistic difference for Wenger's selection. 

The England international's pace is troublesome for any defence, and despite spending his career in the wider attacking roles, he has the ability to find the net through the middle. 

Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

Despite Giroud and Walcott's abilities, Arsenal need to strengthen in attack, and increase their goalscoring options.

French journalist Philippe Auclair said in an interview with the ArseAmerica podcast (h/t Will Giles of Metro) Wenger is sure to bring in reinforcements in January:

"

There is a lot of talk around the club about recruiting players quite early in January to address the obvious holes in the squad that we can see week in week out.

I would be amazed if there was not an effort from Arsenal to recruit in this particular department [defensive midfield] fairly swiftly.

As a matter of fact I can tell you that there are already discussions going on between the club and a few possible targets.

"

Alastair Grant/Associated Press

When fully fit, Giroud and Walcott are the perfect pairing, and with Sanchez operating in a deeper attacking role, Arsenal have one of the best forward trios in European football. 

However, the main issues are centralised around the depth of Wenger's squad, which has looked frail in recent weeks, primarily because of injuries. 

Giroud's personal form has kept Arsenal in the Champions League, and without his current purple patch, the Gunners could be in one less competition going into the Christmas programme.

The Arsenal boss will get the opportunity to add troops in the January transfer window, but if he opts to rely purely on his current personnel, he could discover it's an unhappy end to the season once more.