Lauren: Arsenal don’t need Riyad Mahrez – and while Olivier Giroud has goals he lacks X-Factor

FORMER Arsenal defender Lauren wonders if Arsenal really need Riyad Mahrez.

And the Cameroon international says that while striker Olivier Giroud‘s goals output is not in question, the Frenchman doesn’t have the vital X-Factor.

Midfielder Mahrez, 25, played a huge role in Leicester’s title-winning campaign, scoring 19 goals in 41 appearances.

Arsenal are reportedly interested in the PFA Player of the Year, but Lauren – who made 159 appearances for the Gunners between 2000-2006 – is not convinced the Algerian would bring anything different to the team.

Said Lauren: “He is a very good player, but how many similar players in terms of technically proficient, creative midfielders and wide men do Arsenal have already?

“They have Mesut Ozil, they have Jack Wilshere, they have Aaron Ramsey, they have Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, they have Theo Walcott – Arsenal don’t need Mahrez.

“Arsenal have always had dynamic players – but they need to change that style a little bit, maybe be a little more direct, with more aggressiveness, and determination – which means players with a different style than Mahrez can offer.”

Lauren won the Premier League twice and landed three FA Cups playing under Arsene Wenger.

But he insists his former manager should assess the future of Giroud.

Despite Giroud’s 16 goals in 26 appearances last season, Lauren says the striker doesn’t have enough charisma to lead the Arsenal frontline.

He said: “Don’t get me wrong. I respect Olivier Giroud and he has an important part to play next season through the goals he does score.

“But you need people with charisma. It’s more than about scoring goals, you need a striker with the X-Factor.  And despite being a fantastic player, Giroud doesn’t have that.”