Welcomes competition: Arsenal’s Olivier Giroud (Picture: AFP/Getty Images)

Olivier Giroud has welcomed the potential arrival of Luis Suarez at Arsenal, insisting the duo could form a formidable partnership on the pitch.

The Gunners have already failed in one bid for the Liverpool striker – reported to be £30million – and have been encouraged by the Uruguayan’s camp to go back in with a £40m offer.

Suarez’s arrival would potentially put pressure on Giroud for a starting place in the Gunners’ line-up, but the Frenchman, who is gearing up for his second season at the Emirates, insists the pair could work together.

‘I could have a good relationship with Suarez on the pitch,’ Giroud told L’Equipe.


Changing shirts? Liverpool’s Luis Suarez (Picture: AP)

‘So I am for Suarez’s arrival. I’m not afraid of competition.



‘On a personal level, my goal is to do better than last season, so put more than 17 goals and 10 assists.’

Meanwhile, Arsenal face missing out on Gonzalo Higuain after Napoli revealed they have opened talks with Real Madrid over a possible transfer.